Name: Southern Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups whole milk or evaporated milk; 3 large eggs; 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Southern Mac and Cheese

Authentic Southern baked mac and cheese with a golden‑brown crust, rich creamy center, and bold cheddar flavor. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or feeding a crowd

Close‑up of creamy Southern macaroni and cheese with gooey melted cheddar and crispy breadcrumb topping.

Auteur/autrice: chef Nina Cuisine: American Plats: Breakfast

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Temps de préparation 15 mins Temps de cuisson 40 mins Temps total 55 mins Difficulté: Intermediate Température de cuisson: 175 C Calories: 480 Meilleure saison: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni (about 4 cups dry pasta)
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1 cup for topping)
2 cups whole milk or evaporated milk
3 large eggs
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain well.
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Preheat oven: Set to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13‑inch baking dish.
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Mix custard base: Whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and paprika.
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Layer macaroni and cheese: Half the pasta in dish → half the cheese → repeat.
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Add custard: Pour evenly over pasta and cheese layers. Shake dish gently.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle reserved cheddar on top.
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Bake uncovered: 30–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Rest before serving: Let sit 5–10 minutes before cutting or scooping
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Southern Mac and Cheese