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Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe in a golden bubbly casserole dish

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy comfort dish that's perfect for any occasion, made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cheese Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni Perfect shape for holding all that cheese
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Use unsalted to control the salt to your liking
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream This adds that extra creaminess
  • 2 cups half-and-half Dreamy richness!
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper A little kick
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for some heat
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg An unexpected depth
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard For a subtle tanginess
  • 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the cheese sauce
  • 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Classic choice!
  • 1 cup shredded manchego cheese For a lovely nutty flavor
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese Creamy bliss!
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt To season the water
  • 2 large eggs, beaten Adds richness and helps bind
  • 1/2-1 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional, brings a smoky flavor
Water
  • 8 cups water For boiling the pasta

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.
  2. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cream, half-and-half, and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
  3. Add in the black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and mustard. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a smooth mixture.
  4. Whisk in the cheddar, manchego, and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
  5. In a stockpot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and stir in the coarse salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  6. Drain the macaroni and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Mix the beaten eggs into the cooked pasta. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well.
  2. If desired, sprinkle with smoked paprika.
  3. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce a day ahead. If the cheese sauce is too thick, whisk in more half-and-half. You can also mix in cooked bacon or sautéed veggies for variations.