Description
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish featuring elbow macaroni baked with a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, infused with warm spices like garlic and mustard powder, and topped with a golden breadcrumb crust. Perfect as a hearty side or main, this classic soul food recipe promises a deliciously cheesy experience with every bite.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Sauce Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Add Seasonings: Whisk in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with savory notes.
- Melt Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well and gradually mix them into the cheese sauce to add richness and help the sauce set during baking.
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly, then transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: Sprinkle the optional breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, signaling a perfect melt and crust.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, try mixing breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling.
- You can substitute half the cheddar with smoked gouda or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Ensure eggs are beaten well before adding to avoid curdling in the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Soul Food, Southern
