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comforting southern macaroni dish

Southern Baked Macaroni

This classic Southern baked macaroni combines perfectly cooked elbow pasta with a rich blend of cheeses for that authentic custardy texture and golden-brown crust. The combination of stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible depth of flavor that makes this comfort food dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided (3 cups for mixing, 1 cup for topping)
  • 1 (14½ ounce) box elbow macaroni
  • 3-4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 1 tablespoon salt to taste
  • 2 teaspoons pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large casserole dish
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. DO NOT OVERCOOK as the pasta will continue cooking during baking.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Drain the pasta thoroughly in a strainer and transfer to a large, deep casserole dish.
  4. Add the butter to the hot pasta and stir until completely melted.
  5. Season with salt, taste, then add pepper, adjusting amounts to your preference.
  6. Fold in the mozzarella cheese and 3 cups of the cheddar cheese, reserving 1 cup of cheddar for topping.
  7. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly, then stir them into the pasta mixture with a wooden spoon.
  8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  9. Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for another 15-30 minutes until golden brown and crispy on top.
  10. Allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the dish set properly.

Notes

For the best results, grate your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect how well the cheese melts.
This macaroni and cheese can be customized with add-ins like crispy bacon, diced ham, or even vegetables like roasted broccoli or caramelized onions.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through for best texture, or microwave individual portions.