So how does this make your southern baked macaroni and cheese creamier? Well, as your macaroni boils, it absorbs water. For example, the macaroni I used instructed me to boil it for 8-10 minutes, so I set my timer for 12 minutes. But for this recipe, forget everything you learned from Giada de Laurentiis and boil your macaroni for two minutes longer than the maximum time listed on the package directions.

Normally, you would want to cook your macaroni until it's al dente - that is, it still has a bit of a chew to it. But just make sure no one is looking over your shoulder while you read this. That's why I'm sharing my secrets with you to make this southern baked mac and cheese just as creamy as can be! But before we continue, these are secrets! I'm sure I can trust you guys to keep it on the hush. Getting creamy mac and cheese can be a challenge, especially when you're using this custard-based method. If you haven't had this style of old fashioned baked mac and cheese with evaporated milk, this will be your new favorite side dish! Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese How do you keep mac and cheese creamy? Then it's got a topping of even more lightly browned cheese. Homemade mac and cheese recipes can vary wildly, but for me the best kind has a cheesy custard filling made with egg and evaporated milk. But one of our all-time favorite recipes is baked macaroni and cheese, and this creamy southern mac and cheese recipe is our go-to! It just doesn't feel like a holiday without them. Cornbread dressing, collard greens, sweet potato pie, and pound cake are never missing from the table. You have your hams, your turkeys, and roast beefs, but the stars of the show are definitely the sides and desserts.

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipeįor my family, there are certain foods that are absolutely mandatory for us to have for family gatherings and special occasions. *This post contains affiliate links - as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Do you need milk to make mac n cheese