Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe. This creamy, cheesy delight combines the rich flavors of extra-sharp cheddar and mascarpone with a secret ingredient—evaporated milk—that elevates the dish to heavenly heights. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or cozy family dinners, this mac and cheese is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With a gooey texture and a crispy top, it’s not just a side dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings warmth and joy to any table. Get ready to savor every bite of this nostalgic classic!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for baking)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 can (13 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese
- 12 oz mild cheddar cheese
- 8 oz mascarpone cheese
- Salt
- Cajun seasoning
- Dry mustard powder
- Nutmeg
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter your casserole dish.
- Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Shred all cheeses and combine in a bowl.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth; add whole milk, seasonings, and mix well.
- Stir in drained macaroni and half the shredded cheese; taste for seasoning before adding the beaten egg.
- Layer half of the mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese, then top with the rest of the macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; broil for an extra crispy top if desired.
- Let cool for 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 80mg