Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe with a secret ingredient is always one of my most popular recipes! This is the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe, the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration! You'll love this old fashioned mac and cheese with evaporated milk!
Ingredients
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni (about half a 16-oz. box)
- 2 tbsp salted butter (plus more for baking dish)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1½ cup whole milk
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (good quality)
- 8 oz mild cheddar cheese (or another mild cheese like monterey jack, fontina, or gouda)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp cajun or creole seasoning
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- fresh cracked pepper (for topping)
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart casserole dish or 9x13 pan with butter or spray with cooking spray.
- 2
Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding 2 minutes to the maximum time listed on the package. Drain; stir butter into macaroni until butter is melted.
- 3
While macaroni is boiling, shred both cheese blocks using a box grater. Combine shredded cheese until evenly mix, then set aside about half of shredded cheese mixture for later.
- 4
In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth (there may still be some lumps, which are okay).
- 5
Mix in the whole milk, followed by the salt, creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Stir in half of the shredded cheese mixture.
- 6
Taste mixture to see if seasonings are to your preference and adjust if necessary. Stir in beaten egg.
- 7
Add buttered macaroni to milk/cheese mixture and stir to combine. Pour the whole mixture into your prepared casserole dish.
- 8
Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, followed by some fresh cracked pepper, if you like.
- 9
Bake in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until cheese on top is melted and browned, and filling is bubbling. If you prefer a browner top, place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Cool slightly before serving.