Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this classic Southern baked mac and cheese. This recipe features tender, al dente elbow macaroni folded into a rich, velvety egg-based custard sauce made from freshly grated sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack. Baked to perfection, it achieves a beautiful, golden-brown crispy crust that contrasts with the luxuriously creamy interior. It is an essential, crowd-pleasing staple for family gatherings and holidays, ensuring a consistent, delicious result without the graininess of store-bought alternatives.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Total Time: 65
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
16 oz Elbow Macaroni
4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly grated
2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese, freshly grated
12 oz Evaporated Milk
1 cup Whole Milk
2 Large Eggs, beaten
4 tbsp Unsalted Butter, melted
Salt and white pepper to taste
1/2 tsp Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni for one minute less than package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta well and return it to the pot, tossing with two tablespoons of melted butter.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, beaten eggs, remaining two tablespoons of melted butter, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese and 1.5 cups of the Monterey Jack cheese into the pasta.
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Pour the custard mixture evenly over the pasta.
Top with the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes until the sauce is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always grate your cheese fresh from the block to avoid anti-caking agents, which ensures a smoother melt. Using room-temperature dairy ingredients helps prevent the butter and milk from separating during the baking process.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Find it online: https://itisrecipes.com/southern-baked-mac-and-cheese/