Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a creamy and cheesy delight that’s sure to please everyone. Featuring a luscious blend of five different cheeses, this dish boasts an ooey-gooey texture that makes it perfect for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or any time you crave something truly comforting. The pasta is cooked in savory chicken broth for added flavor, ensuring every bite is rich and satisfying without intricate cooking techniques. With its straightforward preparation method—simply mix, pour, and bake—this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp butter (for greasing)
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 10 cups chicken broth (or water with salt)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz colby jack cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz American cheese (cubed)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and 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 oven to 350°F (180°C) and butter a baking dish.
- Boil chicken broth in a large pot and cook macaroni until just under al dente; drain.
- In a mixing bowl, combine half-and-half, heavy cream, shredded cheeses, cubed American cheese, cream cheese, eggs, and seasonings; stir until well mixed.
- Add cooked pasta to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheeses, and sprinkle with smoked paprika if desired.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Side
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 130mg