Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole. Creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

Macaroni and Cheese:

3 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
2 large eggs

Topping:

1 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Preheat oven and cook macaroni: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in flour, gradually whisk in milk, then add seasonings. Temper eggs and add them to the sauce, then stir in cheeses until smooth.
Combine and bake: Mix cheese sauce with macaroni, pour into a casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese and crackers. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let rest before serving.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika or add a pinch of cayenne for some heat.