Description
Experience the ultimate comfort with this authentic Southern baked mac and cheese. This classic recipe features tender elbow macaroni enrobed in a rich, velvety mornay sauce made from a traditional roux, heavy cream, and freshly grated extra-sharp cheddar. The addition of eggs creates a stable custard base that holds everything together, while baking creates a gorgeous, golden-brown crust that pulls apart perfectly. It is the ideal centerpiece for any holiday feast or hearty Sunday dinner, providing a smooth, decadent texture that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
1 lb elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups whole milk
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk the flour into the melted butter and cook for 2 minutes to create a roux.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while whisking constantly until smooth.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheese until melted.
In a small bowl, temper the eggs with a bit of the hot cheese sauce, then whisk the eggs into the main saucepan.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cup of cheese.
Bake for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Notes
Always grate your cheese fresh from the block to ensure the smoothest melt; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Use room-temperature eggs to ensure they blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling. Feel free to add a pinch of mustard powder to the roux to enhance the cheddar’s sharpness.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 145mg