Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese
A comforting dish with a creamy cheesy interior and a crispy topping, perfect for family gatherings and potlucks.
Ingredients
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni The pasta that serves as the perfect vessel for the creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese This sharp cheese gives the dish its character and robust flavor.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Adds an extra layer of creaminess that complements the cheddar beautifully.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup milk Essential for achieving a smooth and rich sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream This ingredient elevates the dish to an indulgent level.
- 2 large eggs Acts as a binding agent.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Provides a crispy topping.
- 4 tbsp butter Used to enhance flavor.
- to taste none salt Essential seasoning.
- to taste none black pepper Essential seasoning.
- optional none paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder Can be added for extra flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle it evenly over the mac and cheese.
Baking
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Consider adding cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor. Allowing the dish to rest after baking helps with serving.