Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy and flavorful, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for baking dish)
- 1 large egg (beaten, room temperature)
- 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (good quality)
- 12 oz mild cheddar cheese (or another mild cheese like monterey jack, fontina, colby jack, or gouda)
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature)
- 1½ tsp. salt (or to taste (taste mixture before adding egg))
- 1 tsp cajun or creole seasoning
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder (or 1 teaspoon dijon mustard)
- ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg
- fresh cracked pepper (for topping)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart casserole dish or 9×13 pan with butter or spray with cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni in unsalted water according to package directions, adding 2 minutes to the maximum time listed on the package. Drain and stir butter into macaroni until melted.
- Shred cheese: While macaroni is boiling, shred cheese blocks using a box grater or food processor. Combine shredded cheese varieties until evenly mixed.
- Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth. Mix in the milk, salt, creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg.
- Combine ingredients: Add buttered macaroni to the bowl, followed by half of the cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings, then stir in beaten egg.
- Layer and bake: Pour half of the mixture into a baking dish, top with half of the remaining cheese, then repeat with the rest of the mixture and cheese. Sprinkle cracked pepper on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Feel free to mix in cooked bacon or ham for a meaty twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Southern, Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy, Casserole
