Description
Creamy Southern-style macaroni and cheese celebrates comfort with rich cheddar and a golden breadcrumb crust. Hearty pasta nestles under a blanket of melted cheese, promising pure satisfaction with each forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 2 large eggs
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 (370 milliliters/12 ounces) cans evaporated milk
- ⅓ cup milk of choice
Seasonings:
- ¼ teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray.
- Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook until tender but still firm, approximately 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, then return the pasta to the pot and immediately stir in the butter until completely melted and coating the noodles.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and garlic salt until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, ensuring an even distribution.
- Assemble the casserole by creating three alternating layers: first, spread one-third of the macaroni across the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then top with one-third of the cheese mixture.
- Repeat the layering process two more times, creating a total of three complete layers of macaroni and cheese.
- Carefully pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the entire surface of the layered casserole.
- Sprinkle a light dusting of paprika across the top for added color and subtle flavor.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling with a slightly crispy texture.
- Remove from the oven and allow the macaroni and cheese to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving, which will help the dish set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- Master this classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to any dinner table.
- Guaranteed creamy texture comes from perfectly blending multiple cheese types and a silky milk mixture.
- Prepping ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth cooking process and reduces kitchen stress.
- Achieve golden-brown perfection by watching the top carefully during the final baking minutes.
- Make ahead and refrigerate unbaked for a convenient meal that’s ready to pop in the oven.
- Customize with optional mix-ins like crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, or herbed breadcrumbs for extra flavor excitement.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 436 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg