Introduction
This old-fashioned macaroni and cheese is rich, creamy, and baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or anytime you want real comfort food.
⏱️ Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧰 Equipment
- Large pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9×13-inch baking dish
📝 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp preferred)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack
- 3 cups milk (whole milk best)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (optional for baked Southern-style)
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Cheese: Shred your own for smoother melting.
- Eggs: Traditional Southern baked mac uses eggs for structure.
- Milk & Cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour; cook 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and mustard powder.
- Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese
- Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until smooth.
- If using eggs, temper eggs with a little hot sauce before mixing in.
- Assemble & Bake
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine pasta and cheese sauce.
- Pour into greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Rest & Serve
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving for perfect slices.
🧾 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fat: 28 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
💡 Tips
- Don’t overcook pasta—it softens more in the oven.
- For extra creaminess, stir in ½ cup sour cream.
- Cover with foil if top browns too quickly.
🔄 Variations
- Stovetop Creamy Mac: Skip baking and serve straight from the pot.
- Southern Soul Food Style: Use evaporated milk and extra cheddar.
- Baked Crunchy Top: Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top.
- Loaded Mac: Add bacon, jalapeños, or lobster.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Fried chicken
- Meatloaf
- Collard greens
- BBQ ribs
