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Mind-Blowing Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

This Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. It's the perfect comfort food for any occasion!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb. Pasta Noodles I prefer elbow or rotini
  • 7 tbsp. Butter Room Temperature, divided
  • 4 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 3 tbsp. All Purpose Flour
  • 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water
  • 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
  • 3.5 cups Half and Half
  • 12 oz. Shredded Medium Cheddar
  • 8 oz. Shredded Colby Jack
  • 8 oz. Shredded Mozzarella
  • 4 oz. Shredded Sharp Cheddar
  • 4 oz. Shredded White Cheddar
  • 0.25 cup Whipped Cream Cheese
  • 0.5 tsp. Onion Powder
  • 0.5 tsp. Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp. Mustard Powder
  • Salt + Black Pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Shred cheeses, setting aside 1 cup each of medium cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella for topping.
  2. Mince garlic and cut butter into tabs.
  3. Preheat oven to 425F. Boil pasta slightly less than al dente, reserving ½ cup pasta water. Toss pasta with 2 tbsp. butter in a 9X13 dish.
  4. Melt 5 tbsp. butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in flour until golden. Pour in pasta water, heavy cream, and half and half. Whisk until thickened, about 4 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in remaining cheeses one handful at a time until melted. Whisk in cream cheese, onion powder, paprika, and mustard powder.
  7. Pour sauce over noodles and mix. Top with reserved cheeses and bake for 10 minutes. Broil until crispy, about 5 minutes.
  8. Cool for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy top, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with the shredded cheese topping.