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The Best Southern Mac and Cheese

A true classic South Carolina family recipe. Cheese sauce is incredibly rich and silky. This is the best mac and cheese you'll ever eat.

Course Casserole, Sides
Cuisine American
Keyword Classic Mac and Cheese, Easy Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese, Southern Mac and Cheese, The Best Mac and Cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author The Tiny Fairy

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. box elbow macaroni pasta, or your favorite pasta
  • 1 good 3-finger pinch of kosher salt, for pasta water
  • 2 teaspoons oil, for pasta water
  • 1 8-ounce package of shredded four cheese blend
  • 1 8-ounce package of sharp shredded cheese
  • 1 8-ounce block of mild yellow cheese, diced small such as Colby Jack cheese
  • 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3 cups whole milk or light cream
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt prefer Diamond brand
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • paprika - optional for topping

Instructions

  1. Place oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F. Butter an oven safe 9X13 casserole dish and set aside.

  2. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a good 3-finger pinch of salt and a little oil, about 2 teaspoons. Make sure it's enough water to cover 1 pound of pasta.

  3. Add pasta, stir and boil 5-6 minutes until al dente, almost tender.

  4. While the pasta is cooking, whisk together two large eggs, 3 cups whole milk or light cream, 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a medium bowl and set aside.

  5. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Return the pasta to the pot and adjust the heat to low. Add 3 Tablespoons of butter and both packages of shredded cheese, reserving about 4 ounces of shredded cheese for topping. Stir to combine well. The cheese will begin to melt with the heat from the pasta.

  6. Slowly add the milk and egg mixture to the pasta and stir to combine. Add ¾ of the cubed mild cheese, reserving ¼ for the topping. Stir until well combined and a sauce comes together. Pour into the prepared buttered 9X13 baking casserole.

  7. Top with extra shredded cheese, reserved mild cheese cubes and evenly sprinkle a little paprika over the dish. Paprika is optional.

  8. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes.

  9. Remove from the oven and reposition oven rack to top position. Return casserole to the oven and broil the top for a few minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

    Keep an eye on it because the broiler can quickly burn a dish.

  10. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a few minutes before serving.