Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: 4 Reasons to Love It

Oh, where do I even begin with Southern Baked Mac and Cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly! Growing up, this dish was a staple at every family gathering. I can still picture my aunt pulling a bubbling, cheesy casserole from the oven, and the aroma wafting through the air instantly made everyone congregate in the kitchen. You can’t resist it! The creamy cheese, tender macaroni, and that golden crust on top—it’s pure magic. I always thought it was the highlight of our holiday meals, and honestly, it’s the dish that everyone fights over for leftovers. If you’re looking to impress your friends or family, this recipe is a sure winner. Trust me, once you try this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. Get ready to create some delicious memories in your own kitchen!

Ingredients List

To make the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter, for buttering the pan
• 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (save half for topping)
• 8 oz colby jack cheese, shredded (save half for topping)
• 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz American cheese, cubed
• 4 oz softened cream cheese, warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds
• 1 cup half and half
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 large eggs

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will be the star of your table!

How to Prepare Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC). This step is crucial because it ensures your mac and cheese bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden. While the oven heats up, grab your favorite 8-by-11 or 9-by-13-inch baking dish and butter it generously to prevent any sticking. Trust me, no one wants a cheesy disaster!

Cook the Pasta

Now, let’s get that elbow macaroni going! Fill a large stockpot or Dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water if you prefer), and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the uncooked macaroni and cook it until it’s just under al dente; we’re talking about 2-3 minutes less than the package directions. Drain the pasta, but don’t rinse it! You want that starch to help the cheese sauce cling beautifully.

Mix the Cheese and Creams

In a large mixing bowl, it’s time to create cheesy magic! Combine the half and half, heavy cream, half of the shredded cheddar, and half of the shredded colby jack cheese with all the mozzarella, American cheese, and softened cream cheese. You want to mix this until it’s nice and smooth—this is where you’ll achieve that luscious creaminess! Add in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Give it a good stir, and don’t be shy about tasting it; you want to make sure it’s just right!

Combine and Bake

Once your cheese mixture is ready, gently fold in the cooked macaroni and the two large eggs until everything is well incorporated. Pour this heavenly mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining cheddar and colby jack cheeses, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle a little more smoked paprika on top for that extra flair. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and beautifully browned. Let it cool for about 5 minutes before diving in. Your taste buds will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creaminess: This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is loaded with a blend of rich cheeses and creams, creating a perfectly creamy texture that you just can’t resist.
• Flavor explosion: The combination of sharp cheddar, colby jack, and American cheese gives every bite a delightful burst of flavor, while spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder elevate it to another level.
• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this crowd-pleaser without breaking a sweat, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
• Comfort food at its best: There’s something about a warm, cheesy casserole that brings everyone together, making it the ultimate comfort food that warms both the heart and soul.

Tips for Success

To elevate your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, here are a few tips that I swear by:

• Experiment with cheeses: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses! Gouda, fontina, or even pepper jack can add a delightful twist.
• Don’t skip the eggs: The eggs help bind everything together, giving your dish that perfect creamy consistency.
• Cover while baking: If you notice the top browning too quickly, lightly cover the dish with foil for the first 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Let it rest: Allowing the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes before serving helps it set and makes for easier serving.

These little tweaks can make a world of difference in your mac and cheese experience!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, it’s important to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. However, here’s a general breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 424
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0.2g
• Cholesterol: 104mg
• Sodium: 881mg
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 19g

Keep this in mind as you enjoy your cheesy creation, and feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:

• Can I use different types of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your cheese choices. Just make sure to stick with softer cheeses for that creamy texture, like gouda or fontina.
• What if I don’t have half and half? No problem! You can substitute it with evaporated milk or even whole milk mixed with a little cream for that richness.
• How should I store leftovers? Store any leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it in the microwave with a splash of milk or in the oven covered with foil at 325ºF.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance, just bake it when you’re ready to serve. It makes hosting so much easier!

These tips will help you navigate any concerns and ensure your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly every time!

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