Description
This Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is the epitome of comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and seasoned to perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Macaroni:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Mixture:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 12 oz mild cheddar cheese
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 teaspoon cajun or creole seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Fresh cracked pepper (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 3-quart casserole dish or 9×13 pan.
- Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Stir in butter.
- Prepare cheese: Shred cheese and mix varieties.
- Combine ingredients: Whisk mascarpone and evaporated milk. Add whole milk, salt, seasonings, and macaroni. Stir in beaten egg.
- Layer: Pour half of the mixture into a baking dish, top with cheese, repeat layers.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly. Broil for a browner top if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare this dish ahead and bake the next day. Refrigerate unbaked mac and cheese, then bake as usual.
- This mac and cheese freezes well. Simply thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 463 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 872 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg
