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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern Soul Food

Description

This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring elbow macaroni baked with a rich blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, whole milk, heavy cream, and a flavorful mix of garlic and mustard powders. Topped with optional golden breadcrumbs, it’s a classic soulful recipe perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the macaroni and cheese.
  2. Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it doesn’t boil.
  4. Season Sauce: Whisk in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with flavor.
  5. Melt Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy without any lumps.
  6. Add Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then slowly add them into the cheese sauce, mixing well to incorporate without scrambling the eggs.
  7. Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to evenly coat all the pasta.
  8. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
  9. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • For a crispier topping, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  • Use a mix of cheeses for enhanced flavor or adjust to your preference.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with additional milk or use reduced-fat cheese.
  • Make sure to temper the eggs by slowly adding some warm cheese sauce before mixing directly to avoid curdling.