Spent a BombDiggity day in the kitchen with my grand chefs, Addy and Brylee, as we whipped up Grandmother Atkins’s legendary Mac & Cheese, a Morris family treasure at every gathering, passed down from MaMa to our beloved GiGi (Gorgeous Grandma and Lane’s Mom).
PrintGrandmother Atkins Mac and Cheese
A Morris family treasure at every gathering, passed down from MaMa to our beloved GiGi. Custard style, with eggs, milk, and a whole lot of extra sharp cheddar.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: one 9×13 pan, about 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, cooked al dente (a little firm)
- 1 1/2 sticks butter
- 3 cups milk (or sub some cream for an indulgent twist)
- 4 beaten eggs
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- A hint of garlic
- 1 1/2 pounds (6 cups) extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Cook the macaroni al dente, drain, and stir in the butter while it is hot.
- Whisk together the milk, beaten eggs, salt, and garlic.
- Layer the macaroni and cheese in the pan, saving some cheese for the top.
- Slowly pour the milk and egg mixture over everything.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
Pro tip: it is okay if it is a bit wobbly. It sets to perfection as it cools.
We had a dance party (watch the video!), spent some sweet time together, and found success in our first attempt at making this cheesy delight! Pass down the love and tradition in your own family!
Leftover holiday bird? Mama Jules’ turkey pot pie takes care of it. And this pan is perfect beside maple mustard pork tenderloin.
#FamilyRecipes #GrandkidsCooking #MacAndCheeseMagic #macandcheeserecipe #farmlife #farmkitchen
Straight out of the oven, browned the way she made it.
Written by
Lane and Jules Morris
Authors and University of Tennessee faculty writing from our farm in East Tennessee about gardening, the farm kitchen, faith and designing a flourishing life at any age. More about us
