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Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.8 from 51 reviews

This Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese features a rich blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and smoked gouda cheeses combined with a velvety mixture of evaporated milk, half and half, and sour cream. Cooked elbow macaroni is tossed in butter and cream cheese, then baked to golden bubbly perfection. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and a hint of cayenne, this comforting dish is a classic Southern favorite ideal for family gatherings or cozy meals.

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 16 ounces dried elbow macaroni
  • 6 to 8 cups chicken broth or water (broth adds more flavor)

Dairy and Eggs

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus more for greasing the baking dish)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature, cubed
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 ½ cups half and half
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 16 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
  • 4 ounces smoked gouda cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9 x 13 baking dish and set it aside so it’s ready to receive the mac and cheese mixture.
  2. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni noodles in chicken broth or salted water until they are just shy of al dente — they should still be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
  3. Combine Pasta with Butter and Cream Cheese: Return the drained pasta to the pot and toss it with two tablespoons of butter and the cubed cream cheese. Stir gently to melt the cream cheese evenly while keeping the pasta warm over low heat.
  4. Mix Dairy and Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, half and half, sour cream, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.
  5. Add Cheeses: Stir in the freshly grated cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and smoked gouda cheeses into the milk mixture, reserving about 1 ½ cups for topping later.
  6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Pour the warm macaroni into the bowl with the cheese and milk mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
  7. Incorporate Eggs: Gently fold the beaten eggs into the macaroni mixture, being careful not to over-stir.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This rest time helps the dish set and develop its creamy texture.

Notes

  • Using chicken broth instead of water to cook the pasta adds extra flavor.
  • Keep the pasta warm when mixing with cheese to help the cheeses melt smoothly.
  • Feel free to adjust the spice levels by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper and smoked paprika.
  • This dish can be prepared a day in advance; assemble it in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate before baking.
  • For a crunchy topping, consider adding breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top before baking.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/creamy-southern-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/