Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Name: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp butter (for buttering the pan); 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked); 10 cups water mixed with chicken broth ((I use Better than Bouillon)); 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

Instructions

Prep:10minCook:35min

This soul food Southern baked mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and never dry. Made with five kinds of cheese, heavy cream, and a custard-base, it bakes into that ooey-gooey texture readers love. The pasta is cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor, then finished in the oven so it stays tender but not mushy. No roux, no whisking, just a simple dump-and-bake macaroni and cheese that’s perfect for Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, and every holiday table.

Updated at: Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:29:29 GMT