Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8–10
🧺 Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
Cheese Blend (Shred All Freshly)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed (for creamy texture)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (for depth and saltiness)
Custard & Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
👩🏾🍳 Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously with butter.
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook 1–2 minutes less than package directions (you want it slightly firm). Drain and set aside. - Make the cheese sauce base:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter.
- Add Velveeta cheese cubes and stir until mostly melted.
- Gradually stir in heavy cream, whole milk, and evaporated milk until smooth.
- Add 1 cup cheddar, 1 cup Colby Jack, and ½ cup mozzarella. Stir until creamy and melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne (if using).
- Combine with pasta:
Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece. - Layer the mac and cheese:
- Pour half the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle a mix of cheddar, Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan evenly over the first layer.
- Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the cheeses, covering the surface completely.
- Add the custard mixture:
Whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup of evaporated milk, then pour it gently over the mac and cheese.
This helps create that signature custard-like richness underneath the crispy top. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until bubbling around the edges and golden brown on top. - Cool & serve:
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — the center will firm up slightly, while the edges stay deliciously crispy and cheesy.
💛 Tips for Authentic Soul Food Mac & Cheese
- Layer your cheeses — it’s key for that gooey, stretchy texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For an extra indulgent twist, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or hot honey before serving.