Go Back

Mac and Cheese Recipe Soul Food for Thanksgiving Cooking

Southern baked mac and cheese · Holiday side dish or Sunday dinner · Creamy, cheesy, golden, and comforting
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Holiday Dish
Cuisine: Soul Food-Inspired
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Macaroni
  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni
  • Elbows are classic but shells or cavatappi can also work.
  • 10 cups chicken broth or salted water
  • Broth adds extra flavor to the pasta. Use water with salt if preferred.
  • 1 tablespoon butter for greasing the baking dish
  • Helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.
  • Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • Save about half for topping.
  • 8 ounces Colby Jack cheese freshly shredded
  • Save about half for topping. Monterey Jack can also work.
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese freshly shredded
  • Adds stretch and creaminess.
  • 8 ounces American cheese cubed
  • Helps the sauce stay smooth and creamy.
  • 4 ounces cream cheese softened
  • Adds richness and helps keep the mac moist.
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • Adds creaminess without making the mixture too thick.
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Keeps the baked mac rich and velvety.
  • Seasonings
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika plus extra for topping
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Custard Base
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • Helps the mac and cheese set while keeping it creamy.

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter an 8x11-inch or 9x13-inch baking dish well.
  3. Cook the pasta
  4. Bring chicken broth or salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the macaroni and cook until just under al dente. Drain well.
  5. Mix the cheese base
  6. In a large bowl, combine half-and-half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar, half of the Colby Jack, all of the mozzarella, American cheese, and cream cheese.
  7. Season the mixture
  8. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and a small amount of salt. Stir well and taste before adding the eggs.
  9. Add pasta and eggs
  10. Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese mixture. Add the beaten eggs and mix until everything is evenly coated.
  11. Fill the baking dish
  12. Pour the macaroni mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread it evenly.
  13. Add the cheese topping
  14. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Colby Jack over the top. Add a light dusting of smoked paprika if desired.
  15. Bake
  16. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbly, golden, and lightly browned around the edges.
  17. Rest before serving
  18. Let the baked macaroni and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the creamy center settle.