Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden-brown topping. This classic soul food dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a hearty, homemade meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Creamy and Cheesy: A blend of cheeses creates a rich, velvety texture.
Crispy, Golden Topping: A baked top layer adds the perfect crunch.
Perfect for Gatherings: A crowd-pleasing dish for holidays and parties.
Southern-Style Flavor: Seasoned to perfection with a hint of spice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Easy to prepare in advance for busy schedules.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese 10 Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring layers of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden-brown topping. This classic soul food dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a hearty, homemade meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Elbow macaroni
Butter
All-purpose flour
Whole milk
Heavy cream
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
Cream cheese
Eggs
Mustard powder
Paprika
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Salt and pepper
Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook until golden. Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheeses, cream cheese, and seasonings until melted and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Layer and Bake: Pour half the mac and cheese into a baking dish, add a layer of cheese, then repeat. Top with extra cheese and optional breadcrumbs.
Bake to Perfection: Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve Hot: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar or add cooked bacon.
Extra Crunchy: Use crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs for topping.
Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free pasta and flour.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe dish.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or in the microwave with a splash of milk.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.

What are the best cheeses to use?

Sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella create the best combination of flavor and creaminess.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out?

Use plenty of sauce and avoid overbaking. Adding a little extra milk when reheating helps too.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Yes! Try adding cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or evaporated milk works well as a substitute.

How do I get a super creamy texture?

Use a mix of cheeses, add cream cheese, and don’t overcook the pasta.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to shred your own cheese for a smoother melt.

What’s the best pasta for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but cavatappi or shells work great too.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead of baking?

Yes! Just skip the baking step and serve right after mixing.

How do I get the perfect golden topping?

Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the top.

Conclusion

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and a deliciously crispy topping. Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is sure to be a hit. Enjoy every bite of this rich, soul-warming classic!

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

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Author: Kim Cooks Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Southern, American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness with a crispy, golden topping. Made with a blend of cheeses, a creamy homemade sauce, and baked to perfection, it’s the ultimate comfort food for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you need a hearty side dish.

Instructions

:
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Season and Melt Cheese: Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir until combined. Reduce heat to low, then gradually stir in shredded cheeses (reserving some for the topping), mixing until melted and smooth.
Combine with Pasta: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top. For a crispy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serve: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

:
Use block cheese and shred it yourself for the creamiest mac and cheese (pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that affect texture).
Try adding cooked bacon, hot sauce, or jalapeños for extra flavor.
For a richer taste, substitute some of the milk with evaporated milk.

Nutrition

Calories: ~450
Sodium: ~600mg
Fat: ~24g
Saturated Fat: ~14g
Protein: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~60mg