Southern Holiday Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 lb Elbow macaroni (dry pasta)
• 8 oz Cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 cup Evaporated milk (canned, shaken before opening)
• 2 cup Whole milk (preferably 2% or whole)
• 2 each Large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 cup Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese (shredded, for meltiness)
• 2 tsp Mustard powder (ground mustard)
• 2 tsp Creole seasoning (Southern spice blend)
• 1 tsp Salt (kosher salt)
• 1/2 tsp Freshly ground black pepper (for finishing)
• 2 tbsp Butter (softened, for greasing dish)
• 1 pinch Nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat while you prepare the pasta and sauce.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 350°F

2. Boil Pasta Water

   Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

   Time: PT5M

3. Cook Macaroni

   Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 9‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.

   Time: PT10M

4. Shock Pasta

   Drain the macaroni in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

   Time: PT2M

5. Make Cheese Sauce Base

   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, evaporated milk, and whole milk until smooth and free of lumps.

   Time: PT5M

6. Season the Sauce

   Add salt, mustard powder, Creole seasoning, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Whisk to combine.

   Time: PT1M

7. Incorporate Eggs

   Add the two room‑temperature eggs to the sauce and whisk quickly until just blended; do not cook the eggs.

   Time: PT1M

8. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the shocked macaroni to the sauce bowl and toss until every noodle is evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

9. Prepare Baking Dish

   Grease a 13x9‑inch baking dish with butter (or nonstick spray) to add a buttery flavor to the crust.

   Time: PT1M

10. Layer Cheese and Pasta

    Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly on the bottom of the dish, pour the pasta‑sauce mixture over it, then top with the remaining cheese.

    Time: PT5M

11. First Bake

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the edges start to turn golden.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 350°F

12. Add Final Cheese & Finish Baking

    Remove the dish, sprinkle fresh cracked black pepper and any extra cheese you like, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes for a deep golden crust.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: 350°F

13. Rest Before Serving

    Take the mac and cheese out of the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes so it sets and is easier to cut.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

20g

Carbohydrates

45g

Fat

30g

Fiber

2g