Darlene The Gourmet Diva's Extra Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Darlene The Gourmet Diva's 

True Southern Comfort

Extra Cheesy Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

·        1 9’X9’ Glass Casserole works best aluminum is fine

·        3 cups Cavatappi pasta or Macaroni noodles uncooked

·        3 eggs (Lightly beaten)

·        ¾  Cup half and half or Milk

·        1 Can of Evaporated Milk

·        2 Tsp Salt

·        ½ Tbsp Onion Powder

·        2 Heaping Tsp Black pepper (the more the merrier)

·        1 Tbsp all purpose seasoning (I use Adobo)

·        2 Tbsp Chives

·        1Tbsp Butter

·        1 Cup Shredded smoked gouda or smoked cheddar  

·        1Cup Shredded Colby and Jack blend

·        1 ½ Cups Shredded Cracker Barrel White Cheddar

·        1 ½ Cups Shredded sharp cheddar

Darlene The Gourmet Diva says:

1.   Preheat oven to 350

2.   Follow directions on pasta box to ensure pasta is cooked al dente overcooking pasta will result in a “no bueno” mac and cheese (Trust me)

3.   Strain pasta and pour in buttered baking dish (set aside)

4.   Combine all ingredients EXCEPT the smoked cheese which will be used for the top of my mac and cheese

5.   Make sure the cheese and milk blend has enough salt and pepper (If it tastes bland, so will the mac and cheese and we don’t want that)

6.   Pour mixture over pasta and stir well

7.   Top with smoked cheese (The magic touch) however, please feel free to substitute for regular cheddar if you don’t like Gouda but it’s what gives it the southern creamy flavor that we all love!  Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes as it cools it will firm up so allow it to cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares