The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Name: The Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1 lb - uncooked elbow macaroni pasta; 2 cups - shredded cheddar jack cheese (a mix of Monterey jack and mild cheddar); 2 cups - shredded mozzarella cheese; 4 cups - shredded sharp cheddar; 3 each - eggs, room-temp; 4 oz - cream cheese; 16 oz - half & half; 12 oz - evaporated milk; ½ tbsp - seasoning salt or salt; ½ tsp - black pepper; 2 tsp - onion powder; 2 tsp - garlic powder; 2 tsp - paprika; 1 tbsp - parsley (optional); 1 - 2 tbsp - butter

Side DishesPastaThe Best Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Nov 12

Written By Aaron Dodson

JUMP TO RECIPE

RETURN OF THE MAC

In today’s world, people have become a lot more health conscious. The food and ingredients that we put in our bodies are very crucial to our overall health. But, every now and again, we need to indulge! We cannot spend our lives depriving ourselves of every little thing. With all of that said, let me introduce y’all to a southern classic. My Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is something that I hold dear.

It's creamy, seasoned, and most of all, cheesy! This macaroni and cheese recipe will have you fighting your family members over the last scoop. After one bite you will surely scream, "Won't he do it!" You will probably shout a little too. Also, I am not liable for any fights that break out over the holiday season.

The story behind the mac

This was the first recipe that I ever fully perfected. Back when I was in undergrad, I did a lot of cooking for people. It was a pastime of mine that made me really happy. Bringing people together with food is my life’s purpose. I first showed this recipe off at a potluck. I was nervous about bringing it at first, but it ended up being a big hit.

I’m gonna let you all know now, that this recipe is not healthy at all. It will surely stick to your ribs. Macaroni and cheese is not meant to be wholesome and full of nutrients. It is meant to feed the soul, and bring out your inner foodie.

How Should Mac & Cheese Taste?

I’ve seen a lot of different macaroni and cheese recipes over the course of my life. The one common issue that I see in many recipes is that the end product comes out very stiff. Macaroni and cheese should be creamy yet scoopable.

The cheese should be melted throughout every inch of the pan. The dish should also be SEASONED! You want to layer the flavors in order to create a good mouthfeel. The cheeses I decided to add to the recipe are accessible pretty much anywhere. Plus, the cheese mix will stretch beautifully when fully baked and scooped. The cream cheese adds to the overall creaminess of the dish as well.

PASTA COOKING 101

When it comes to cooking pasta, make sure to properly salt your water. If the water doesn’t taste like the ocean, there isn’t enough salt in it. Seasoning the water sets the foundation for the overall taste of the pasta. Salt also helps to boil the water faster. Whatever goes into the water will come out in the flavor of the pasta. Also, if the water is not at a rolling boil, DO NOT add your pasta! You risk overcooking the pasta if you do. Mushy pasta is not what you want for this recipe. Follow the directions on the box if you need to. Cook the pasta until it is al dente (3/4 of the way cooked).

Where is the cheese sauce?

For this recipe, I did not make a cheese sauce. I use a custard type base with eggs and dairy. It gives the end product a great texture. The key to this recipe is at the end. Since a custard base is used, you must allow the dish to settle once it is removed from the oven. This will allow the dish to firm up a little while leaving the center creamy and gooey.

This recipe is one for the books! I know you all will enjoy it, just as much as I enjoy making it. Tell me what you all think in the comment section below. Enjoy fam!

I’d love to hear your feedback about my Baked Macaroni and Cheese! Leave me a message in the comments section below. Remember to share and enjoy! Follow Be Greedy Eats on Pinterest and Instagram as well!