A creamy and delectable southern favorite.
Welcome to A Taste of the South, where we celebrate the rich flavors and traditions of Southern cuisine. Today, we’ll be diving into a Southern classic: Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This recipe combines perfectly cooked pasta shells with a blend of creamy cheeses, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent. Get ready to experience the true essence of Southern cooking with this delectable mac and cheese recipe. So, let’s gather our ingredients and start cooking!
Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese
Equipment
- 9x 13 Baking Pan
- Stock Pot (for boiling Pasta)
- Strainer
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Box Grater or food processor (for grating cheese)
Ingredients
- 1 box of shells pasta
- 8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 4 oz shredded Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheese blend
- 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese or mascarpone optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp butter divided
- A splash of heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water, followed by the shells pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and toss to coat the shells in the melted butter. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the freshly shredded sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Monterey Jack and Colby Jack blend, and mozzarella cheeses. If desired, add the cream cheese for extra creaminess.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, eggs, and a splash of heavy whipping cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the milk and egg mixture over the pasta in the pot. Add the shredded cheese mixture and gently stir until everything is well combined.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and dot them over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a crisper top, broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes after baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a Southern twist.
Tips
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a crisper top, broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes after baking.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations or add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for a Southern twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with other southern favorites such as barbequed or fried chicken, green beans or collard greens, and something sweet such as candied yams.
Tips
- Soak wooden skewers if using an open flame to avoid skewers from burning.
- Do not over marinate chicken as this can change its texture.
- Be sure to cook chicken thoroughly Or finish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Enjoy!
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