🧀 Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Southern Soul Vibes 🍽
Get ready for the ultimate comfort food classic—creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection! This mac & cheese brings that rich, smoky flavor with just the right amount of sharpness and creaminess. The perfect side for any soul food spread—or a star all on its own!
📌 Ingredients:
3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1½ cups milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup Colby & Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
6–8 oz Velveeta cheese (shredded or cubed – adjust to taste for creaminess)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded – use less if you prefer a milder flavor)
1 cup smoked cheddar cheese (shredded – a must for the smoky depth!)
2 eggs
Salt & pepper to taste
Paprika (optional for topping)
🍽 Instructions:
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni just until al dente (check your box for timing). Drain and set aside.
Mix the Cheese Base: In a large bowl, combine the milk, heavy cream, Colby Jack, Velveeta, and sharp cheddar. Stir well.
Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and optional seasonings (like onion powder or paprika) to the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust until it’s flavorful.
Add the Eggs: Once seasoned to your liking, stir in the eggs until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
Assemble the Dish: Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with butter. Add the cooked pasta, then pour the cheese mixture evenly over it. Stir gently to distribute.
Top It Off: Sprinkle the smoked cheddar cheese over the top (feel free to add more Colby Jack if you’re feeling extra cheesy). Finish with a dash of paprika or black pepper for color and flavor.
Bake It: Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes. Don’t overbake—it should jiggle slightly in the center when done.
Let It Set: Cool for 10–15 minutes so it can firm up before serving. The wait is worth it!
😋 Serve hot and prepare to impress your guests or treat yourself to pure, melty goodness. Add it to any soul food plate and watch it steal the show!
💡 Tip: Try it with roasted chicken, greens, and cornbread for that full Southern experience. 🙌🏾🧡