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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Ultra Creamy Holiday

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 460
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (dry) or cavatappi
  • 12 oz (340g) sharp yellow cheddar cheese freshly grated from block, divided
  • 8 oz (225g) sharp white cheddar (or gruyère) freshly grated, divided
  • 8 oz (225g) low-moisture whole milk mozzarella freshly shredded for epic cheese pull
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354ml) evaporated milk full fat
  • 1.5 cups (360ml) heavy cream or whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted creamery butter melted, divided
  • 2 large eggs room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 1 tsp dry ground mustard powder enhances sharp cheese flavor
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • fine sea salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch ceramic baking dish with 1 tablespoon softened butter.
  2. Cook elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 6 to 7 minutes, until just shy of al dente. Drain thoroughly and toss immediately with 3 tablespoons melted butter.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the freshly grated yellow cheddar, white cheddar, and mozzarella. Mix together to create your 3-cheese blend. Reserve 1.5 cups for the top crust.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, heavy cream, beaten eggs, remaining melted butter, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until smooth.
  5. Add the macaroni and the remaining cheese blend to the dairy custard bowl. Stir gently until all noodles are thoroughly coated in sauce.
  6. Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Scatter half of the reserved cheese across the middle. Pour the rest of the macaroni on top and crown with the remaining cheese blend.
  7. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly along the edges. Switch oven to broil on HIGH for 2 to 3 minutes to blister the cheese into a deep golden crust.
  8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the custard to settle into sliceable, creamy scoops before serving warm!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 19gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 780IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 490mgIron: 1.4mg

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