Southern Mac and Cheese

Name: Southern Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: Coarse salt and ground pepper; 1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more for ramekins; 0.5 pound elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (8 ounces); 2 large eggs; 1 cup half-and-half; 1 small garlic clove, minced; 2 slices white sandwich bread, torn

3.1

(190)

15 Reviews

By

Martha Stewart Editors

Updated on April 30, 2020

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

40 mins

Servings:

4

Homemade mac and cheese is often prepared with a flour-based sauce. This Southern version uses a base of eggs and half-and-half for a tasty, custardy alternative.

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 tablespoon butter, melted, plus more for ramekins
½ pound elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (8 ounces)
2 large eggs
1 cup half-and-half
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 slices white sandwich bread, torn

Directions

Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Preheat oven to 350. Butter four 10-ounce ramekins. Cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cheddar, eggs, half-and-half, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add pasta, and stir to combine; divide among ramekins.
In a food processor, pulse bread and melted butter until coarse crumbs form; season with salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, top pasta mixture with 1/2 cup cheddar, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until mac and cheese is golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Cook's Notes

You can also bake the mac and cheese in a shallow 1 1/2- to 2-quart baking dish. Increase the baking time to 25 to 30 minutes.