Next, drain the macaroni and add to the baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, half & half, eggs, cheeses and seasonings. While the pasta cooks, you can get everything else ready. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta and cook until al dente. To make it, start by cooking the macaroni.
Baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk and cream cheese mac#
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese The result will be less creamy, but still very worthwhile. Topping: Use sharp cheddar or smoked cheddar for a bold flavor in keeping with tradition, or medium cheddar as an alternative.Īlways grate the cheeses yourself if possible, since pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents that interfere with melting.įor a healthier southern baked mac and cheese, use whole wheat macaroni along with low-fat evaporated milk and low-fat cheeses.Velveeta (American cheese) is another popular option. Cheeses: A combination of 2-3 cheeses are mixed into the macaroni, with Jack, cheddar and Havarti being great options.Seasonings: We’re using cajun seasonings including paprika, garlic powder/onion powder, cayenne, salt and pepper to add Southern flavor.Eggs: The eggs help to make a custard-like texture as it bakes in the oven.You can also use heavy cream to go all-out. Half and half: This half-milk, half-cream adds flavor and creaminess.You can substitute fresh milk, but the taste isn’t quite the same. Evaporated milk: This canned milk is inexpensive and lends a creaminess to the mac and cheese.Macaroni: You can use elbow pasta, macaroni or similar.Last but not least, there are NO breadcrumbs on top! Thirdly, cajun seasonings such as garlic powder and paprika are customary to create Southern flavors. Secondly, it includes evaporated milk and sharp cheddar cheese, both hailing from a colonial era. This allows the raw ingredients to be combined with the cooked macaroni in the pan just before baking. Here are the distinctive features of southern mac and cheese:įirstly, it’s thickened with eggs instead of the usual cheese sauce made with a flour and butter roux. Southern baked mac and cheese has centuries of history and is a welcome part of any Southern celebration or holiday, where it’s served as a side dish, not a main. This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd and you’re guaranteed to get compliments at holidays, backyard BBQs and beyond! What is Southern Mac and Cheese? Whether you’re trying it for the first time or want to recreate a taste from the past, read on. With a deliciously creamy texture, this is the comfort food to conquer boxed varieties and even stovetop mac and cheese! I first experienced it while eating barbecue in Nashville and have been making it at home ever since. Serve it as a side dish for any celebration or holiday feast! This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese made from scratch is creamy, cheesy and perfectly seasoned! It’s the perfect soul food with three types of cheese and delicious Southern flavors.