Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Try Tonight

Creamy southern baked mac and cheese promises comfort in every delectable bite.

Cheese lovers unite around this hearty Southern classic that whispers memories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Family gatherings feel magical when this golden, bubbling casserole emerges from the oven.

Melted cheddar and smooth cream cheese create a luxurious texture that makes taste buds dance.

Crispy breadcrumb edges provide a delightful crunch against the silky interior.

Pasta swimming in rich, velvety sauce promises pure culinary bliss.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition and love, inviting you to savor southern hospitality on a plate.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese from Scratch

• Delivers ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Takes just 45 minutes total, perfect for busy weeknight dinners where everyone wants something delicious without complicated steps.
• Allows easy variations with different cheese blends, optional crunchy topping, and simple ingredients most home cooks already have in their pantry.
• Serves 8-10 people, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday side dishes that will impress everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni Pasta: Hearty pasta that forms the foundation of the dish, classic choice for mac and cheese.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent pasta sticking, choose unsalted for better control of saltiness.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Evaporated Milk: Creamy base that creates a luxurious sauce, full-fat versions provide best texture.
• Eggs: Helps bind the sauce and create a custard-like consistency, fresh large eggs recommended.
• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Sharp and mild cheeses that melt smoothly, pre-shredded cheese works but block cheese offers better melting.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, kosher salt preferred for better distribution.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce, use fresh if possible.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides subtle smoky undertone, adds complexity to overall flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy note that brightens cheese sauce, smooth variety works best.
• Ritz Crackers, Panko Breadcrumbs: Optional crunchy topping that adds textural contrast, can be mixed with melted butter.

Cooking Steps for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil
• Drop in macaroni
• Cook until just shy of package instructions (slightly undercooked)
• Drain the pasta
• Toss with butter to keep noodles from clumping

Step 3: Whip Up the Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat
• Gently pour in
• Milk
• Heavy cream
• Evaporated milk
• Eggs
• Sprinkle in seasonings
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dijon mustard
• Stir continuously until warm (avoid boiling)

Step 4: Create Cheesy Layers

• Spread half the cooked pasta across the baking dish
• Shower with half the shredded cheese collection
• Pour half the creamy milk mixture
• Repeat layers one more time

Step 5: Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)

Combine crushed Ritz crackers (or panko) with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for extra crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Cover dish with foil
• Bake for 20 minutes
• Remove foil
• Continue baking 10-15 minutes until top turns golden and edges bubble

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before diving in. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Perfectly

• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyere, monterey jack, or gouda to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic mac and cheese.
• Prevent Curdling Trick: Temper eggs by slowly adding warm milk mixture while whisking constantly to ensure smooth sauce without scrambled egg chunks.
• Pasta Texture Pro-Tip: Undercook pasta slightly during initial boiling since it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy final texture and maintaining perfect al dente consistency.
• Crunch Factor Upgrade: Use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for extra crispy topping, ensuring golden-brown crackly surface that adds delightful textural contrast to creamy mac and cheese.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Store and Reheat Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, which can preserve the dish for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Preheat oven to 350F, spread mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk to prevent dryness, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add a little milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Pair Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with These

• Pair Southern Creamy Mac and Cheese with Vibrant Complementary Flavors
• Toss a light, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Serve alongside tender, barbecue-style pulled pork to enhance the Southern comfort food experience.
• Pour a chilled glass of classic Southern sweet tea to balance the creamy, cheesy dish with a cool, sugary contrast.
• Add a side of herb-roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots for a nutritious and colorful accompaniment.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Twists

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free crackers for topping. Swap wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Vegan Comfort Version: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of dairy, and replace eggs with cornstarch or cashew cream for binding.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace traditional pasta with riced cauliflower or cauliflower florets. Maintain creamy cheese sauce while reducing carbohydrate content for keto and low-carb dietary needs.
• Protein-Packed Upgrade: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham directly into the mac and cheese. Incorporate protein-rich Greek yogurt into the cheese sauce for extra nutritional value and creamy texture.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese FAQs

• Why use multiple types of dairy in the sauce?

The combination of milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk creates a richer, more complex flavor and creamier texture than using just one type of dairy.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can customize by mixing cheddar, monterey jack, gruyere, or pepper jack, but always include some sharp cheddar for the classic southern mac and cheese flavor.

• What makes this a southern-style mac and cheese?

The extra eggs and multiple dairy products create a custard-like, dense texture that sets it apart from other mac and cheese recipes, giving it a signature southern richness.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

Slowly heat the dairy mixture and stir constantly, and add cheese off the heat to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without separation.

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this irresistible Southern Baked Mac and Cheese that promises creamy, golden-topped perfection. Cheesy layers meld with crisp breadcrumbs, inviting you to savor each comforting, soul-warming bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheese:

• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup crushed ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with a thin layer of butter or cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
2. Submerge macaroni in generously salted boiling water, cooking until it reaches a tender yet firm texture, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package recommendations.
3. Gently drain pasta and coat with melted butter, preventing individual noodles from clumping together.
4. Craft the creamy foundation by warming butter in a spacious pot over medium heat, gradually incorporating milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, and whisked eggs.
5. Enhance the liquid base with a harmonious blend of seasonings: salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoky paprika, and a touch of tangy Dijon mustard.
6. Maintain constant stirring to ensure even heating, being careful to avoid boiling the mixture.
7. Construct the mac and cheese layers by spreading half the cooked pasta across the prepared baking dish.
8. Generously distribute half of the shredded cheese varieties over the pasta layer.
9. Delicately pour half of the seasoned milk mixture, allowing it to seep between the pasta and cheese.
10. Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, cheese, and milk mixture.
11. For a crispy exterior, combine crushed Ritz crackers or panko with melted butter and sprinkle evenly across the top.
12. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20 minutes.
13. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the surface turns golden and the edges bubble enticingly.
14. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling the layers to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it slightly less than package instructions, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
• Create a smoother cheese sauce by whisking eggs slowly and steadily to avoid scrambling, maintaining a silky consistency.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to customize flavor profiles and add depth to the dish.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni and using gluten-free crackers for the topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 546
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 103 mg