Name: #comment 170175: The Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter (for buttering the pan); 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked); 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, save half for topping); 8 oz colby jack cheese (shredded, save half for topping); 8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded); 8 oz American cheese (cubed); 4 oz softened cream cheese (warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds); 1 cup half and half; 1 cup heavy cream; kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); ½ tsp smoked paprika; 1-2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp mustard powder; 2 large eggs

Jump to Recipe

#comment 170175 is the epitome of comfort food with its creamy, cheesy goodness that never disappoints. This Southern baked mac and cheese is made with five delectable cheeses and heavy cream, creating that ooey-gooey texture everyone loves. Perfect for Sunday dinners or holiday gatherings, this recipe ensures you won’t have a dry bite in sight. Let’s dive into this culinary delight!

Why You’ll Love This #comment 170175

This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this #comment 170175:

Rich and creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Easy preparation with no roux or complicated steps.
Versatile ingredient options for personal touches.
Kid-friendly and perfect for family gatherings.
Five kinds of cheese for a flavor explosion.
Ideal for special occasions or cozy weeknights.
Vegetarian-friendly, perfect for all diets.
Hearty enough to be a satisfying main dish.

Ingredients for #comment 170175

Gather these items:

1 tbsp butter (for buttering the pan)
16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
10 cups water mixed with chicken broth
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (shredded, save half for topping)
8 oz colby jack cheese (shredded, save half for topping)
8 oz part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded)
8 oz American cheese (cubed)
4 oz softened cream cheese (warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds)
1 cup half and half
1 cup heavy cream
kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
½ tsp smoked paprika
1-2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp mustard powder
2 large eggs

How to Make #comment 170175 Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350ºF (180ºC). Butter an 8-by-11 or 9-by-13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Step 2: Fill a large stockpot or dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water and 1 tbsp salt if you don’t have broth), and bring to a boil. Add in elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente. Drain the pasta.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, mix 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.
Step 4: Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and some kosher salt and pepper. Stir well and taste the mixture for flavor. Stir in the cooked macaroni and eggs until well incorporated.
Step 5: Pour the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 6: Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Sprinkle with more smoked paprika if desired.
Step 7: Bake for 35 minutes or until the cheese crust is bubbly and browned.
Step 8: Let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Step 9: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Pro Tips for the Perfect #comment 170175

Keep these in mind:

Perfect for Sunday dinners and holidays.
Do not overcook the macaroni; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Use fresh ingredients for best results.
Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for unique flavors.

Best Ways to Serve #comment 170175

Here are a few ideas to elevate your dish:

Pair it with fried chicken for a true Southern feast.
Serve alongside a fresh garden salad to balance the richness.
Top with crispy bacon or breadcrumbs for added texture.

How to Store and Reheat #comment 170175

To keep your #comment 170175 fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through for the best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions About #comment 170175

What’s the secret to perfect #comment 170175?

The secret lies in cooking the macaroni just under al dente so it finishes cooking in the oven. This prevents mushiness and maintains the perfect texture!

Can I make #comment 170175 ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I avoid common mistakes with #comment 170175?

To avoid mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the macaroni and mix the ingredients thoroughly for even distribution of flavors.

Variations of #comment 170175 You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations to consider:

Add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Incorporate different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors.
Mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

#comment 170175: The Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese - #comment 170175 - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our latest recipes or try making sweet potato biscuits for a delightful side dish. If you’re looking for a hearty main dish, consider creamy potato soup to complement your meal.

For more information on the health benefits of cheese, you can visit Healthline (rel=”nofollow”).