Description
Comfort classic mac and cheese delivers homestyle warmth straight from Southern kitchens. Creamy cheddar and tender pasta blend into a nostalgic masterpiece you’ll crave with each comforting, cheesy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 3 bowls (approximately 340 grams) dry elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter with salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cans (12 ounces or 370 milliliters each) evaporated milk
- 0.75 cup (180 milliliters) milk
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, season generously with salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge of elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until tender yet firm. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return to the pot.
- Melt of salted butter into the warm macaroni, stirring until each pasta strand is coated evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cans (each) of evaporated milk, of whole milk, 2 large eggs, and of garlic salt until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Create a cheese blend by combining of shredded cheddar cheese and of shredded mozzarella cheese in a separate bowl.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Begin layering the buttered macaroni and cheese mixture in the baking dish: spread one-third of the pasta, followed by one-third of the cheese blend. Repeat this process two more times, ensuring the top layer is cheese.
- Carefully pour the milk and egg mixture evenly across the layers, allowing it to seep between the pasta and cheese. Sprinkle of paprika over the surface for added color and subtle flavor.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble invitingly.
- Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set before serving.
Notes
- Cheese selection matters hugely when crafting this classic comfort dish, ensuring rich and creamy texture comes through every delightful bite.
- Layering technique transforms ordinary mac and cheese into an extraordinary culinary experience, creating delectable depth and complex flavor profiles.
- Egg and milk mixture acts as magical binding agent, providing silky smoothness and preventing potential dryness during baking process.
- Buttering pasta before assembling helps prevent sticking while adding extra richness and preventing clumping during preparation.
- Oven temperature and baking duration are critical for achieving that perfect golden-brown crusty top, signaling a masterfully prepared mac and cheese ready to be devoured.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg