Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese – This Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe. Is the ultimate comfort food. That graces every Thanksgiving table. It’s rich, creamy. And loaded with a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby jack, mozzarella, and American cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with a hint of smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder. This dish is a must-try. For anyone who loves cheesy goodness. With a Southern twist.
The first time I made this Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese. My husband and child. Were in for a treat. The aroma of the bubbling cheese filled the house. And by the time it was done baking. They were eagerly waiting. At the table. As soon as I served it. Their faces lit up with joy. And I knew I had found. A new family favorite. It’s become a staple at our holiday dinners. And it’s always the first dish to disappear!
What makes this Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese truly stand out?
What makes this recipe truly stand out? Is the combination of four different cheeses. That creates a decadent, creamy texture. That’s perfectly balanced. With the smoky flavor of paprika. And the subtle kick of garlic and onion powder. The addition of eggs. Gives the dish a slight custard-like texture. That holds the macaroni together. While the crispy, cheesy crust on top. Adds a delightful contrast. This recipe is not just a side dish. It’s the star of the meal.
What You Need To Make This Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe?
Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese. But be sure to cook it. Just under al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven. Soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
Chicken Broth: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the pasta. But you can substitute water. If you don’t have broth on hand.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a strong, tangy flavor. That is essential in any good mac and cheese.
Colby Jack Cheese: Adds a nice melty texture. And slightly milder flavor. To balance the sharpness of the cheddar.
Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its gooey melt, mozzarella. Brings a creamy texture. That complements the other cheeses.
American Cheese: The secret ingredient. For that extra creamy, nostalgic taste.
Cream Cheese: Helps to create a smooth, velvety sauce. That coats every piece of macaroni.
Half and Half & Heavy Cream: The combination of these two dairy products. Ensures a rich and creamy consistency. Without being overly heavy.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder add depth. And a slight kick to the dish. Making it flavorful. Without overpowering the cheese.
Eggs: Help to bind the casserole together. Giving it that classic baked texture.
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Steps To Make Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). And buttering an 8×11 or 9×13-inch baking dish. This will give your mac and cheese. That perfect golden, crispy edge.
Step 2: In a large pot. Bring the chicken broth. To a rolling boil. Add in the elbow macaroni. And cook it just shy of al dente. Following the package instructions. Remember, the pasta will finish cooking. In the oven. So you don’t want it to get too soft. At this stage. Drain. And set it aside.
Step 3: While your pasta is cooking. Grab a large mixing bowl. And combine the half and half, heavy cream, half of the shredded cheddar, and half of the Colby jack. And all of the mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. Mix in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. And a touch of salt and pepper. Taste the mixture. And adjust the seasoning. To your liking.
Step 4: Gently fold in the cooked macaroni. And beaten eggs. Until everything is well-coated. And creamy.
Step 5: Pour the mac and cheese mixture. Into your prepared baking dish. Spreading it out evenly. Top it off with the remaining shredded cheddar. And Colby jack. If you’re feeling adventurous. Sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika on top. For that added kick.
Step 6: Pop it into the oven. And bake for about 35 minutes. Or until the cheese is bubbling. And the top is beautifully golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. Before diving in. Trust me. It’s worth the wait!
Tip:
For a more indulgent and layered flavor. Try mixing in different types of cheeses like gouda or gruyere. Along with the cheddar and Colby jack. If you’re a fan of a crunchy topping. Mix some panko breadcrumbs. With melted butter. And sprinkle it over the top before baking. This will give your mac and cheese. An extra layer of texture. And flavor. Remember to let the dish rest. For a few minutes after baking. This will allow the cheese to set. And make serving easier.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda and gruyere. Or even pepper jack. For a bit of a kick. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well. For that creamy texture.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Just cover it tightly. And refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Since it’ll be starting. From a colder temperature.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. This mac and cheese freezes well. Portion it out into airtight containers. And freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven. Or microwave. Until warmed through.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni uncooked
- 6 c chicken broth
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 ounces colby jack cheese shredded
- 8 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded
- 8 ounces American cheese cubed
- 4 ounces cream cheese cubed and at room temperature
- 1 c half-and-half
- 1 c heavy cream
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1-2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). And butter a baking dish. Either 8x11 inches or 9x13 inches. Then set it aside.
- In a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Bring chicken broth (or water if you prefer) to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni. And cook just until it's almost al dente. According to the package instructions. Remember not to fully cook the pasta. It will finish cooking. In the oven. Once the pasta is nearly done. Drain it. And set it aside.
- While the pasta is boiling. Combine the half-and-half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Colby jack cheese, all the mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese. In a large mixing bowl. Using a wooden spoon.
- Season the mixture with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste as you go. To ensure a balanced flavor. But be cautious with the salt. Since the cheeses will add more. As they bake. Once you're happy with the seasoning. Mix in the cooked macaroni and the eggs. Until everything is well combined.
- Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture. Into your prepared baking dish. Spreading it out evenly.
- Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar. And Colby jack cheeses over the top. If you like, add a touch more smoked paprika. For extra flavor. And color.
- Bake the mac and cheese for about 35 minutes. Or until the top is bubbly. And golden brown. Be careful not to over-bake. As this can cause the pasta. To become mushy. And the cheese sauce to dry out.
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool. For around 10 minutes before serving. So the cheese remains creamy. And delicious.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container. In the refrigerator. For up to 4 days.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
About how many servings or people can be fed off this recipe plz?
Hi Marilyn! 😊 This recipe makes about 16 servings, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or bringing to a family gathering. You’ll have plenty to go around, and maybe even some leftovers—if everyone doesn’t grab seconds! Hope you enjoy it!