Exploring the Irresistible Delight of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a Secret Ingredient: Eggs**
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that’s rich, comforting, and oh-so-delicious? If you’re a food enthusiast with an insatiable craving for cheesy goodness, then Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a dish that will surely win your heart. But here’s the twist that sets this recipe apart – the secret ingredient that adds an extra layer of creaminess and flavor: eggs!
**Why Eggs? Unlocking the Magic**
Eggs, those versatile wonders of the kitchen, aren’t just for breakfast or baking. When incorporated into your classic mac and cheese recipe, they bring a velvety texture that elevates the dish to a whole new level. Not only do eggs lend a luxurious consistency, but they also offer essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals that enrich the nutritional profile of your meal.
**The Recipe: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups elbow macaroni, or favorite noodle of choice
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded + 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 1/2 cup half an half
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
– Salt, pepper, all purpose seasoning, cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs then season with salt, and pepper.
4. To the cooked noodles add melted butter, seasoning and half the shredded cheese and mix well
5. Add milk/egg mixture to the noodles and stir well to combine
6. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and some in the middle to layer
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese starts to melt, increase heat to 400 degrees and bake until golden brown crust develops, about 10-15 minutes
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
**Tips for Success:**
– For a delightful twist, try experimenting with different types of cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even pepper-jack for a touch of spice
– Craving some crunch? Consider adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions as a flavorful topping.
– Leftovers? Reheat gently in the oven to maintain that crispy, cheesy top.
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Exploring the Irresistible Delight of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese with a Secret Ingredient: Eggs**
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, or favorite noodle of choice
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cup half and half
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp All purpose seasoning, like adobo
- 1 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp smoked paprika to taste
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish and set it aside.
2. Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, eggs then season with salt, and pepper.
4. To the cooked noodles add melted butter, sour cream, seasoning and half the shredded cheese and mix well
5. Add milk/egg mixture to the noodles and stir well to combine
6. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top and some in the middle to layer
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese starts to melt, increase heat to 400 degrees and bake until golden brown crust develops, about 10-15 minutes
9. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Use hand shredded cheese for best results
Don't overcook pasta for the best texture
Keep an eye on the mac and cheese as it develops the brown crust, don't burn the cheese!
Cool mac and cheese for at least 5 minutes before servings to allow it to set
**Conclusion: Embrace the Egg-citing Journey!**
Embarking on the journey of creating Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese with eggs as a secret ingredient is an experience that promises a symphony of flavors and textures. The eggs provide a luxurious creaminess that will make this dish a staple in your comfort food repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let your taste buds indulge in the magic of this irresistible creation. Happy cooking!
