Description
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy interior with a golden, bubbly crust. It’s a classic comfort food perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente. Drain well.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in milk and half-and-half until just warm.
- Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella/Colby Jack if using) until melted.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing gently.
- Pour into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, and dust with extra paprika.
- Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta to maintain creaminess.
- Let the baked mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to help it set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 calories
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 0mg