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
- 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.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- 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.
- Season Sauce: Whisk in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to evenly coat all the pasta.
- 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.
- 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.
