Southern Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
45 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
609 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Southern Mac and Cheese
Description
This recipe combines partially cooked elbow macaroni with a sauce of milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and shredded cheddar and American cheese. The mixture is baked covered, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld without drying. After initially baking for 25 minutes, the dish is uncovered to add more cheese on top and baked again to achieve a melted, browned cheese crust. Cooling for 10 minutes before serving stabilizes the texture.
The resulting mac and cheese is creamy and dense with a balanced sharpness from cheddar and creaminess from American cheese. The baked crust adds a contrasting texture. This dish serves well as a comforting main or side, fitting into traditional southern-style meals.
Practical tips include using block American cheese for optimal melting and flavor and using whole milk for richness. Letting the casserole rest after baking allows it to set fully, making portioning cleaner and enhancing eating experience.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni noodles cooked in salted water for 1 minute less than package calls for
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups cheddar cheese divided use, shredded
- 8 ounce block American cheese shredded
- cooking spray
- 1 tablespoon parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 2 or 3 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Place the milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and the American cheese in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked noodles to the bowl and toss to coat the noodles evenly with the milk mixture.
- Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared dish.
- Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover the dish and sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes so that the pasta can set. Sprinkle with parsley, then serve.
Notes
- Use block American cheese from the deli counter for best melting and flavor.
- Whole milk provides the best taste and creaminess in the sauce.
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest at least 10 minutes before serving to let it set properly.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 609 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 609kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 30g | 46% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Cholesterol | 154mg | 51% |
| Sodium | 760mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 306mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1228IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 783mg | 78% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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