Homestyle Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe You’ll Adore

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy southern baked mac and cheese that will make your taste buds dance.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish as a celebration of flavor and tradition.

Rich, velvety cheese cascades through tender pasta, creating a mouthwatering experience that speaks to the heart of home cooking.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of sharp cheddar and smooth, melted cheeses.

The golden, crispy top adds a delectable crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky interior.

Generations have passed down this recipe, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

Prepare to fall in love with the ultimate mac and cheese that promises to become a staple at your dinner table.

Tools To Get Creamy Southern Mac and Cheese

• Large Pot: Essential for making creamy cheese sauce and boiling pasta.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for layering and baking mac and cheese.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta after cooking.
• Wooden Spoon or Whisk: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheese if not using pre-shredded.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover dish during initial baking.

Steps To Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Prepare the Baking Setup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick butter massage to prevent any sticky situations.

• Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Boil your macaroni in salty water, pulling it out just shy of fully cooked. Toss with a touch of butter to keep those noodles from clumping together.

• Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large pot, melt butter and create a silky base with milk, cream, and a splash of evaporated milk. Crack in some eggs and sprinkle in your favorite seasonings – salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of Dijon mustard. Stir gently until warm, but don’t let it boil.

• Build Your Cheesy Layers

Spread half the pasta in the baking dish. Shower it with a generous handful of shredded cheese. Pour half the milk mixture over top. Repeat the layering magic one more time.

• Add a Crunchy Topping

If you’re feeling fancy, crush some Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden crumb blanket across the top.

• Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and let it get golden and bubbling for another 10-15 minutes.

• Serve and Savor

Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before diving in. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips To Make Southern Mac Extra Cheesy

• Creamy Cheese Perfection: Use a blend of sharp cheddar and gruyère for maximum flavor depth and smooth texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.
• Protein Power Boost: Add cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course without compromising the classic mac and cheese experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Replace wheat-based flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
• Veggie Lover's Twist: Fold in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach before baking to add nutrition and extra flavor complexity to the traditional recipe.

Serve Southern Mac and Cheese Like Home

• Comfort Food Companions: Perfectly paired side dishes that elevate your Southern mac and cheese experience.
• Crispy Fried Chicken Delight: Serve alongside golden, crunchy fried chicken for the ultimate Southern comfort meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to your plate.
• Fresh Veggie Crunch: Add a colorful garden salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese, providing a light and refreshing contrast.
• BBQ Protein Pairing: Complement the dish with tender pulled pork or smoky barbecue ribs to create a classic Southern-style feast that celebrates regional culinary traditions.
• Zesty Coleslaw Refresh: Top or serve a creamy, tangy coleslaw on the side to cut through the richness of the mac and cheese, adding a cool, crisp element to your meal.

Storage Tricks For Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Enjoy the most delicious flavors during the first two days after preparation.
• Freezer Friendly Method: Wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze uncooked mac and cheese for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as instructed, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.
• Reheating Tricks: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger servings, reheat in the oven at 350F, covered with foil, until heated thoroughly. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Portion Control Planning: Divide mac and cheese into single-serving containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. Label containers with the date and contents. These convenient meal prep containers work perfectly for quick workplace or school meals throughout the week.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 9

Southern Staples For Baked Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Soft, curved pasta that cradles creamy cheese perfectly, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural taste, crucial for seasoning water during cooking.

• Butter: Adds rich, smooth flavor and helps prevent pasta sticking, select unsalted for better control of saltiness.
• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Evaporated Milk: Create luxurious, velvety sauce with layers of creaminess, opt for fresh, full-fat versions.
• Eggs: Bind sauce and provide silky, custard-like consistency, use fresh large eggs at room temperature.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty, tangy cheeses that provide depth and classic southern comfort flavor, grate fresh for best melting.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate overall dish's taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Add aromatic depth without raw ingredient texture.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, enhancing southern charm.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides slight tang and complexity to cheese sauce.
• Ritz Crackers or Panko: Creates crispy, golden topping with delightful crunch, crush just before using.

Creamy Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern baked mac and cheese combines rich cheddar and velvety texture with comforting Southern culinary traditions. Cheese lovers savor each bite of this classic side dish that delivers hearty flavor and nostalgic warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps melted butter

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adhesion.
2. Pasta Orchestration: Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain completely and toss with melted butter to prevent sticking, ensuring each strand remains distinct and glossy.
3. Cheese Sauce Creation: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, and eggs. Incorporate seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Maintain a smooth, consistent temperature without allowing the mixture to boil, creating a velvety cheese sauce.
4. Layering Technique: Construct the mac and cheese with alternating layers of pasta and cheese. Spread half the pasta in the baking dish, cover with a generous blanket of shredded cheese, and pour half the creamy mixture. Repeat the layering process, ensuring even distribution of ingredients for maximum flavor complexity.
5. Crispy Topping Assembly: Crush Ritz crackers (or panko) and blend with melted butter. Sprinkle this golden crumb mixture across the surface, creating a crunchy textural contrast to the creamy interior.
6. Baking Finale: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown, bubbling perfection that promises a delectable culinary experience.
7. Resting Period: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the ingredients to settle and meld, intensifying the overall flavor profile before serving.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Clumping: Immediately toss cooked macaroni with melted butter to stop noodles from sticking together, ensuring each bite remains separate and perfectly coated.
• Manage Egg Incorporation: Temper whisked eggs by slowly adding hot milk mixture to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky cheese sauce without unwanted egg chunks.
• Control Moisture Levels: Cover with foil during initial baking to retain moisture, then uncover to allow strategic browning and crisp topping development without drying out the dish.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack to elevate flavor complexity and create a personalized mac and cheese experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg