A Chefs Guide to Soul Food— Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheddar cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheddar reduces calories while processed cheese melts better.

monterey jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while colby is often less expensive.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories, while sour cream is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine can be a cheaper substitute.

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt to season the pasta.

Add macaroni to the boiling water and stir to prevent sticking. Cook for about 8 minutes, then drain and rinse with cool water in a colander.

Leave the noodles in the colander to drain further, then return them to the pot.

Season the noodles with salt, paprika, fresh cracked black pepper, and unsalted melted butter. Mix well.

Add two eggs to the noodle mixture and incorporate fully to avoid curdling.

Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray for easy cleanup.

Add 3/4 of the cheese to the noodles and mix well.

Transfer half of the noodle mixture to the greased casserole dish and smooth it out. Add more cheese on top, reserving 1/4 cup for later.

Spread the remaining noodle mixture evenly on top.

Pour half and half over the macaroni, cover with aluminum foil, and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and add the remaining cheese on top. Return to the oven to brown the cheese.

Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, remove from the oven and serve hot.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens