Description
A creamy and cheesy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese that is rich and comforting, perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with 2 tablespoons butter to prevent sticking.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, eggs, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard). Stir constantly until warm, but do not let it boil.
- Spread half of the cooked pasta into the baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheeses over the pasta. Pour half of the milk mixture over the cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and milk mixture.
- Mix crushed Ritz crackers (or panko) with melted butter and sprinkle over the top (optional).
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add more cayenne pepper.
- Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preference.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta