THE BEST BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE | EASY SOUTHERN RECIPE & TUTORIAL

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats and a different flavor profile.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while string cheese is often cheaper.

Boil elbow noodles in 2 cups of chicken broth, salted, until cooked (about 8 ounces).

In a saucepan over low heat, add 1 pint of heavy cream and warm slightly without boiling.

Add 1/2 cup of sharp white cheddar and 1 cup of smoked gouda to the cream, stirring until melted and creamy.

Season the cheese sauce with 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cajun seasoning; whisk to combine.

Remove the cheese sauce from heat and set aside.

In a 10-inch cast iron skillet, add half of the cooked macaroni (about 2 cups).

Pour half of the cheese sauce over the macaroni and mix to combine.

Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and more sharp white cheddar on top of the first layer.

Add the remaining macaroni on top and pour the rest of the cheese sauce over it, ensuring all noodles are covered.

Top with additional mozzarella and sharp white cheddar cheese for a cheesy layer.

Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes until slightly brown on top.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens