Macaroni and Cheese - Made The Traditional Southern Way

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Gather all ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream, 1 cup milk, 1 cup Velveeta cheese, 1/4 pound melted butter, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup asiago cheese, 6 beaten eggs, pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and 1 pound macaroni.

Boil the macaroni in a large pot until al dente, ensuring there is enough room for the pasta to move while cooking.

Drain the macaroni in a colander, shaking it to remove excess water, and transfer it to a large bowl.

Add 1 cup of Velveeta cheese and half of the cream and milk mixture to the hot macaroni, along with the melted butter. Stir until the Velveeta starts to melt and combine with the pasta.

Add the 6 beaten eggs to the mixture, followed by the grated sharp cheddar, extra sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and asiago cheeses. Use a rubber scraper to ensure all cheese is incorporated.

Add a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mixture and stir until well combined.

Pour the remaining cream and milk mixture into the bowl, making a total of 3 cups, and stir until everything is nicely combined.

Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a well-buttered or non-stick sprayed baking dish.

Preheat the oven to 325°F and bake the macaroni and cheese for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking for browning after 45 minutes.

Halfway through baking (around 30 minutes), sprinkle a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy crust.

After baking for about an hour, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes to achieve a toasted look on top.

Let the macaroni and cheese cool for about 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens