Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you have a special place in your heart for comfort food classics, then this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new go-to dish. Imagine tender elbow macaroni swimming in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce loaded with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and a kiss of Parmesan, all baked until golden and irresistibly bubbly. This recipe perfectly balances richness, creaminess, and a hint of spice that will keep you coming back for more, whether it’s for a family dinner or a festive gathering. Trust me, sharing this dish feels like passing down a little piece of Southern warmth and soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The star of this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—from the creamy mix of cheeses creating that perfect gooey texture to the spices that add a subtle depth, and even the eggs that help the sauce set beautifully in the oven.

• 1 lb elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto every creamy bite, perfect for baked mac and cheese.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering the other flavors, essential for a smooth roux.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Works together with butter to thicken the cheese sauce into that luscious consistency.
• 3 cups whole milk: Gives creaminess and a smooth texture, the base liquid for the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts the richness and silky mouthfeel for that decadent cheesy sauce.
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Provides that bold, tangy cheese flavor that’s signature to Southern mac and cheese.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully to give a stretchy, creamy consistency.
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded: Offers a mild, buttery flavor and adds color variety.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a salty, nutty edge that brightens the overall taste.
• 2 large eggs: Essential for creating a custardy texture that holds everything together after baking.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and enhances the cheeses.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a mellow savory note without overpowering the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping): Gives a gentle smoky aroma and beautiful color on top.

How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your mac and cheese won’t stick and makes for easy serving later. Setting the oven first keeps everything on track for a perfectly timed bake.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Boil your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente. The key here is to avoid overcooked pasta because it will keep softening during baking. Drain it well and set it aside, ready to soak up that creamy cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux for Creamy Sauce

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cooking this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes forms a roux, the base that will thicken your cheese sauce to that dreamy consistency.

Step 4: Whisk in Milk and Cream

Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. After about 5 minutes, you’ll see it thicken slightly—that’s your sauce officially turning velvety and ready for the cheeses.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Remove your sauce from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Colby Jack, and all the grated Parmesan. Stir until melted and beautifully creamy—the cheese blend creates a perfect balance of flavors and texture.

Step 6: Temper the Eggs

Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl, then slowly whisk them into the warm cheese sauce. This slow mixing helps prevent the eggs from scrambling and ensures a silky custard that holds the dish together after baking.

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Give everything a good mix. These spices enhance the natural cheese flavors and add just the right touch of Southern character.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat every piece. Transfer this mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 9: Add the Cheese Topping

Top your casserole with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, then sprinkle a little extra paprika over the top for color and subtle warmth.

Step 10: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly sauce and a golden, slightly crisp top that signals your Southern baked mac and cheese is ready to enjoy.

Step 11: Let It Rest

Once out of the oven, let your dish rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This brief wait allows the sauce to set perfectly, so each serving holds its shape without losing any of that creamy goodness.

How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives makes a lovely, fresh contrast against the rich, cheesy dish. For an extra indulgent touch, crispy bacon or a few crushed buttery breadcrumbs on top add delightful texture and flavor punches.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, or a crisp garden salad to balance out the richness. For a real feast, serve it alongside slow-cooked ribs or grilled chicken to complete a soul-satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, try baking this mac and cheese in individual ramekins for personal servings or layering it with sautéed vegetables for a chunky twist. It also works wonderfully as a filling inside stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes for fun variations.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your mac and cheese will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect quick meal option later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for up to 2 months. Freeze it before baking by placing it in a durable freezer-safe dish and wrapping tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

When reheating, cover the dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For a stovetop option, gently warm portions in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, other short pastas like shells, penne, or cavatappi also work well because they hold onto the cheese sauce nicely. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux and choose gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

What can I do to make it extra creamy?

Make sure not to overcook the pasta before baking and include both whole milk and heavy cream in the sauce. Using a blend of high-quality cheeses also helps achieve a dreamy, creamy texture.

Can I add protein or vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or spinach can be mixed in before baking to add more flavor and nutrition.

How do I avoid the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Remove the sauce from heat before adding the cheese and stir until melted gently. Adding eggs slowly and tempering them into the warm sauce also helps maintain a smooth texture without scrambling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe that makes any meal feel like a special occasion. Its creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped in a golden crust is comfort food at its finest. Once you try it, this recipe will become a cherished staple in your kitchen too. So go ahead, dig in, and share this delicious Southern classic with your loved ones—you won’t regret it!

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