AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 35 mins | Total time: 45 mins | Yield: 16 SERVINGS

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food! This Authentic Southern version has five kinds of cheese. Super creamy, rich, and delicious!

INGREDIENTS

1 c (250 ml) half and half

1 c (250 ml) heavy cream

16 ounces (500 grams) of elbow macaroni, uncooked

8 ounces (225 grams) of Colby jack cheese, shredded

8 ounces (225 grams) of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

8 ounces (225 grams) of American cheese, cubed

8 ounces (225 grams) part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 ounces (125 grams) of cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature

½ tsp (4 grams) smoked paprika

1-2 tsp (3 grams) garlic powder

6 c. chicken broth

2 large eggs

1 tsp (3 grams) onion powder

½ tsp mustard powder

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

HOW TO MAKE AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Step 1: Prepare the oven. Preheat it to 350 degrees F or 180 degrees C. Grease an 8 x 11 or 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Set aside.

Step 2: Pour the chicken broth or water into a large stockpot or Dutch oven, filling it halfway. Then, add the elbow macaroni and cook following the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta when done.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, place the half and half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Colby jack cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, all of the American cheese, and all of the cream cheese. Mix well until combined.

Step 4: To the mixing bowl, add the smoked paprika along with the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and some kosher salt and pepper. Stir well and adjust the seasonings according to taste. Then, toss in the cooked macaroni and eggs. Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Into the baking dish, pour the macaroni mixture, evenly spreading it on the bottom of the dish.

Step 6: On top of the macaroni, add the remaining cheddar cheese and Colby jack cheese. Then, sprinkle with a bit more smoked paprika (optional).

Step 7: Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and browned.

Step 8: Remove from the oven when done and allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 4 days.

NUTRITION FACTS: