Julia's Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese brings the best of Southern home-cooked flavors, and is a comforting meal or side dish to have at the dinner table. You may use whatever cheeses you prefer, but my favorites are Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Smoked Gouda. I have learned everything I know about mac and cheese from Black creators online because they are the mac and cheese experts.

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Step 1

Prepare macaroni in salted boiling water, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes under the suggested time on the box. While this is cooking, preheat your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2

Melt 4 tbsp of butter on low heat, then add 4 tbsp of flour and create a roux. The roux is ready once it's golden brown and bubbling.

Step 3

Add all seasonings to the roux and cook until fragrant.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in 5 cups of whole milk, a little at a time, until fully incorporated. The mixture should be just thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5

Add in 12 oz of your shredded cheese and mix until fully melted into the sauce.

Step 6

Add in a splash of Texas Pete Hot Sauce, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 tbsp of Dijon Mustard. Mix until fully combined.

Step 7

Crack an egg into a small bowl or measuring cup and whisk. Slowly add in about half a cup of the cheese sauce, constantly whisking to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once the egg mixture has reached the temperature of the cheese sauce in the pot, add to the pot and stir to combine.

Step 8

Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

Step 9

Add half of the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, and cover with 2 oz of the remaining shredded cheese. Then add the rest of the macaroni and cheese, and cover with the rest of the remaining shredded cheese.

Step 10

Bake macaroni and cheese at 375 for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Once finished, garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve.