Stephanies Mac N Cheese Food

AUTHENTIC SOUTHERN BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C). Butter an 8 by 11 or 9 by 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
• Fill a large stockpot or dutch oven halfway with chicken broth (or water if you don't have broth), and bring to a boil. Add in elbow macaroni and cook until just under al dente, according to package directions. Do not fully cook or overcook the macaroni pasta, it'll finish cooking through completely in the oven. Once just under al dente, drain the pasta.
• While the pasta boils, use a wooden spoon to mix the half and half, heavy cream, half of the cheddar cheese, half of the Colby jack cheese, all of the mozzarella cheese, all of the American cheese, and all of the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl.
• Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and some kosher salt and pepper, stirring well and tasting the mixture to ensure there is a good flavor. Do not add too much salt, since cheese is pretty salty and will add its saltiness as it bakes. Once satisfied with the seasoning, stir in the cooked macaroni and eggs until well incorporated with the cheese.
• Pour the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
• Top the macaroni and cheese generously with the rest of the cheddar cheese and colby jack cheese. Sprinkle the top with a little more smoked paprika, if desired.
• Bake the mac and cheese for 35 minutes or until the cheese crust is bubbly and nicely browned. Do not over-bake or the macaroni pasta will become mushy and the cheese mixture will become dry.
• Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for about 10 minutes or until just cool enough to serve. Serve hot so the cheese is nice and creamy.
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

STEPH'S MAC N CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over medium heat. Add the macaroni and cook to al dente. Drain in a colander.
• Whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, hickory smoked salt, mustard powder, nutmeg, and marjoram. Set aside.
• Return the saucepan to the stovetop and add evaporated milk to warm. Whisk in the spices and stir in the cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Stir in the drained pasta and cook until creamy and hot. Transfer the macaroni to a serving bowl and sprinkle with chives before serving.