Description
A recipe for rich, creamy, and cheesy baked macaroni and cheese made in the traditional Southern style, featuring a custard base and a golden brown topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Colby cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk and evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 8 to 10 minutes. Do not boil.
- Remove the sauce from the heat. Whisk in the 4 lightly beaten eggs until fully incorporated. This creates the custard base.
- Stir in the 8 ounces of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, and Gruyere cheeses until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Fold the cooked, drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar evenly over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and set.
- Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- If you prefer a crispier top, place the dish under the broiler for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This recipe works well with a mix of four cheeses, but you can substitute with your favorite combination.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 120