Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 tbspbutter
for buttering the pan
- 16 ozelbow macaroni
uncooked
- 10 cwater mixed with chicken broth)
(i use better than bouillon
- 8 ozsharp cheddar cheese
shredded, save half for topping
- 8 ozcolby jack cheese
shredded, save half for topping
- 8 ozpart-skim mozzarella cheese
shredded
- 8 ozamerican cheese
cubed
- 4 ozsoftened cream cheese
warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds
- 1 chalf and half
- 1 cheavy cream
- to tastekosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ tspsmoked paprika
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 1 tsponion powder
- ½ tspmustard powder
- 2 largeeggs
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Butter an 8-by-11 or 9-by-13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- 2
Fill a large stockpot or dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water and 1 tbsp salt if you don't have broth), and bring to a boil. Add in elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente, according to package directions. Do not fully cook or overcook the macaroni pasta, it'll finish cooking through completely in the oven. Once just under al dente, drain the pasta.
- 3
While the pasta boils, use a wooden spoon to mix the half and half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Colby jack cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, all of the American cheese, and all of the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- 4
Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and some kosher salt and pepper, stirring well and tasting the mixture to ensure there is a good flavor. Do not add too much salt, since cheese is pretty salty and will add its saltiness as it bakes. Once satisfied with the seasoning, stir in the cooked macaroni and eggs until well incorporated with the cheese.
- 5
Pour the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
- 6
Top the macaroni and cheese generously with the rest of the cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Sprinkle the top with a little more smoked paprika, if desired.
- 7
Bake the mac and cheese for 35 minutes or until the cheese crust is bubbly and nicely browned. Do not over-bake or the macaroni pasta will become mushy and the cheese mixture will become dry.
- 8
Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for about 5 minutes or until just cool enough to serve. Serve hot so the cheese is nice and creamy.
- 9
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate, soul-satisfying Southern baked mac and cheese? This recipe delivers a truly creamy, cheesy experience that’s never dry, perfect for elevating your holiday table or Sunday dinner.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic in this Southern baked mac and cheese lies in its generous use of five different cheeses combined with a rich, custard-based sauce made with heavy cream and half and half. There’s no need for a roux or whisking; it’s a simple dump-and-bake process that creates that irresistible ooey-gooey texture everyone loves. Plus, cooking the macaroni in chicken broth infuses every bite with an extra layer of savory flavor, setting it apart from standard versions.
What to Expect from Your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Prepare for a mac and cheese that’s incredibly rich and decadent, with a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, creamy American, and softened cream cheese. The subtle notes of smoked paprika, garlic, onion, and mustard powder elevate the overall savoriness, creating a complex yet comforting profile. Each forkful promises tender pasta enveloped in a thick, velvety sauce with that signature baked cheese crust on top, ensuring it remains tender but never mushy.
Customization & Variations
While the five-cheese blend is essential to this recipe's flavor, feel free to experiment with your cheese choices; you can swap out some of the specific cheeses for your favorite melting varieties like Gruyère, as long as you maintain a good balance of sharp and creamy. For a slightly different texture, other short pasta shapes like cavatappi or medium shells can be used in place of elbow macaroni. If you prefer a less intensely rich flavor, you could try substituting a portion of the heavy cream or half and half with whole milk, though this will alter the dish's signature decadence.
Serving & Context
This Southern baked mac and cheese is truly a showstopper, ideal for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering where comfort food reigns supreme. It also makes an exceptional centerpiece for a memorable Sunday dinner, pairing wonderfully with roasted meats or hearty greens.