Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese Mixture:
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for topping)
Additional:
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Stir in seasonings and cheese until melted.
- Add eggs and macaroni: Remove from heat, mix in beaten eggs, then stir in cooked macaroni.
- Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish, top with cheese, paprika, and optional breadcrumbs. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for best results.
- For a smoky flavor, try smoked cheddar or add bacon.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
