Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni & Cheese - Southern Mac & Cheese Recipe - Ellen’s Thanksgiving Series 🧀

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is more affordable.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + powdered milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while the powdered milk is a cost-effective alternative.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor with fewer calories, while pecorino is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for cooking, while margarine is a cheaper fat option.

Grate 16 oz each of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, reserving 1 cup for topping.

Boil water in a large pot, adding kosher salt until it tastes like the ocean.

Add 1 lb elbow macaroni to boiling water and cook until al dente, then drain without rinsing.

In a large bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs.

Add in 1/2 cup melted and cooled unsalted butter and 1/2 cup sour cream to the eggs, mixing well.

Pour in 2 cups of half and half and add 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, whisking until blended.

In a greased 9x13 baking pan, layer the cooked macaroni and shredded cheeses, ending with macaroni.

Pour the cream sauce over the macaroni and sprinkle reserved cheese on top.

Sprinkle smoked paprika on top for color.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 35 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens