Indulgent Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to Savor

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible southern baked mac and cheese that promises to steal the show at any gathering.

Generations of cooks have perfected this classic dish, blending rich dairy and tender pasta into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious sauce that coats every single noodle with pure indulgence.

Sharp cheddar and creamy milk blend seamlessly, creating a decadent texture that melts in your mouth.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy edges and velvety interior that will make your taste buds dance.

The golden-brown top adds a delightful crunch that elevates this mac and cheese from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor a recipe that turns a simple side dish into the star of the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 546 kcal

Servings: 8

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredient Rundown

• Macaroni: Classic pasta choice that captures creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality pasta with ridges to hold more cheese.
• Butter: Prevents pasta from sticking and adds rich, smooth flavor to the dish.

• Milk: Creates smooth base for cheese sauce, whole milk provides best richness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious texture and depth to the sauce, ensures silky consistency.
• Evaporated Milk: Enhances creaminess and provides concentrated dairy flavor.
• Eggs: Helps bind sauce and creates custard-like texture, ensures stable sauce.

• Salt: Balances and elevates overall taste profile.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces gentle aromatic undertone.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle savory background note.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers gentle smoky hint and beautiful color.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and enhances cheese flavor.

• Shredded Cheeses: Melts beautifully, creates rich and indulgent texture.

• Ritz Crackers or Panko: Adds delightful crispy layer, provides textural contrast.
• Butter: Helps crackers brown and become golden.

Tools to Prep Classic 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 cooked pasta quickly.
• Cheese grater: Best for shredding fresh cheese for maximum melting.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for preparing cracker topping and mixing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend milk mixture and prevent lumps.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Aluminum foil: Covers dish during initial baking to prevent burning.

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Right

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F and give your baking dish a quick butter massage to prevent sticking.

• Pasta Party

Boil those macaroni noodles in salty water until they’re just shy of perfect, then rescue them and coat with a butter hug to keep them from clumping.

• Cheese Sauce Magic

Melt butter in a large pot, then whisk in milk, cream, and a splash of excitement with seasonings. Stir gently, keeping the heat friendly and preventing any boiling drama.

• Layering Love

Create delicious mac and cheese layers by spreading pasta, sprinkling cheese generously, and pouring your creamy mixture. Repeat until your dish looks like a cheesy wonderland.

• Crispy Cracker Topping

Crush some crackers and mix with melted butter for a crunchy crown on your mac and cheese masterpiece.

• Bake To Perfection

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then unveil and continue baking until the top turns golden and bubbly with irresistible promise.

• Dig In

Let your creation rest for a few minutes, then serve up pure comfort on a plate.

Flavor Tips for Southern Mac and Cheese Lovers

• Creamy Cheese Perfection: Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta for gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free crackers for the topping. Replace wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken between cheese layers for extra protein and flavor. Vegetarians can use plant-based protein like sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with add-ins like diced jalapeños, green chiles, or a dash of hot sauce for those who love a little kick. For a smoky twist, sprinkle some chipotle powder or smoked paprika into the cheese sauce.

Serving Up Southern Baked Mac with Soul

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this creamy mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the richness and add freshness to your meal.
• Protein Boost: Top with crispy bacon bits, pulled chicken, or diced ham to transform this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Southern Style Spread: Serve alongside classic barbecue ribs, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables for a traditional Southern-inspired dinner that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to add color, extra flavor, and make the dish look even more inviting for family gatherings or potlucks.

Store Southern Mac and Cheese the Smart Way

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Freezing Magic: Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen dishes maintain quality for up to 2 months when sealed properly.
• Reheating Perfection: Revive refrigerated mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving or warming in the oven at 350F. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore creamy texture. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• Smart Portion Control: Divide mac and cheese into individual serving containers before storing. This approach allows easy grab-and-go meals, reduces waste, and helps maintain food quality during refrigeration or freezing.

Creamy Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Southern baked mac and cheese delivers a creamy, comforting classic from American kitchens. Rich cheese sauce and golden-brown crust promise a hearty, satisfying meal you’ll savor with pure Southern delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups (720 ml) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 ml) colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (240 ml) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (120 ml) parmesan cheese, shredded
• 1 pound (454 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240 ml) evaporated milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsps melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, approximately 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, then drain and toss with melted butter to prevent clumping.
3. Flavor Base: In a large pot, gently warm butter over medium heat, gradually whisking in milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, and eggs while incorporating salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard. Maintain constant stirring without allowing the mixture to boil.
4. Layering Technique: Create alternating strata by spreading half the pasta in the prepared dish, covering with half the shredded cheese varieties, and pouring half the seasoned milk mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Repeat the layering process with remaining ingredients.
5. Crispy Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers or panko with melted butter and distribute evenly across the surface.
6. Baking Process: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and edges bubble tantalizingly.
7. Resting Period: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving, permitting layers to stabilize and flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Boil macaroni 1-2 minutes less than package instructions to maintain a firm, al dente texture that won’t become mushy during baking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Shred cheese manually instead of using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting and creamy consistency.
• Avoid Curdling Eggs: Temper eggs by slowly adding hot milk mixture while whisking constantly, preventing scrambling and ensuring a silky, smooth sauce throughout the dish.
• Crispy Topping Hack: Use fresh breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter for a golden, crunchy layer that adds delightful texture contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 508
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 682 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 118 mg