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Soulful Southern Baked Macaroni Cheese

This comforting Southern baked macaroni cheese wraps you in a blanket of cheesy goodness with its perfect blend of gooey mozzarella and sharp cheddar. With simple, everyday ingredients and a two-stage baking process that creates a crispy, golden topping, it’s a soul-warming dish that will soon become a family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Elbow Macaroni 14½ ounce box
  • 3-4 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • 4 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Reserve 1 cup for topping later

Equipment

  • Large, deep casserole dish
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well using a strainer and transfer the pasta to a large, deep casserole dish.
  3. Immediately add the butter to the hot pasta and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
  4. Reserve 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Then, mix in the remaining 3 cups of cheddar along with the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese.
  5. In a separate bowl, beat the 2 eggs until well combined and stir them into the cheesy pasta mixture with a wooden spoon, ensuring an even, custardy texture.
  6. Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes until the top is a gorgeous golden-brown with a slightly crispy texture.
  8. Let the dish cool slightly before serving to enjoy every comforting, cheesy bite.

Notes

This Soulful Southern Baked Macaroni Cheese is a versatile comfort food classic that can be customized with your favorite add-ins. You can substitute the cheese blend or even use different pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. For a twist, consider adding crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy evenings.