Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

There’s something magical about the aroma of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese bubbling away in the oven—cheese stretching like golden ribbons, the top crisped just right, and every bite oozing with comfort. It’s a dish that feels like home, no matter where you are.

I first made this recipe on a chilly Sunday afternoon, hoping to recreate my grandmother’s legendary mac and cheese—and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, its golden crust shimmering and edges sizzling, I knew it was going to be a family favorite. It has since become our go-to for potlucks, holiday spreads, and those days when only the coziest comfort food will do.

Whether you're a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for a crowd-pleaser, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese delivers every time—with rich, cheesy flavor and heartwarming nostalgia in every forkful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average boxed mac and cheese. It’s the real deal—soul-warming, rich, and completely irresistible. Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for it:

Rich and Ultra Creamy Texture

This recipe brings together a dreamy blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella, giving you the perfect balance of sharpness, melt, and gooey goodness. The cheese sauce is luxuriously creamy, hugging every curve of the macaroni and melting beautifully in the oven.

Simple, Affordable Ingredients

You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. There’s nothing fancy or hard to pronounce, just honest, down-home staples: butter, flour, milk, and cheese. It’s comfort food that doesn’t require a trip to a specialty store.

Foolproof and Beginner-Friendly

Even if you've never baked mac and cheese from scratch, you've got this. The recipe is straightforward with clearly defined steps—boil, whisk, stir, bake. You’ll feel like a kitchen pro by the end of it.

Easy to Customize

Want to add some spice? Toss in some chopped jalapeños. Craving something smoky? Try smoked cheddar or add bacon. Hosting someone gluten-free? Easy swaps make this recipe accessible for everyone. It’s as flexible as it is flavorful.

Ingredients

The beauty of this dish lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients, each playing an important role in building a rich, comforting experience.

Full List of Ingredients with Descriptions:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni – Classic pasta shape that perfectly traps the creamy cheese sauce in every bite.

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – The base of the roux, it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Combined with butter to thicken the cheese sauce and create that silky, luscious texture.

• 4 cups whole milk (warmed) – Helps the sauce come together smoothly and prevents curdling.

• 1 cup heavy cream – Adds an extra layer of richness and indulgence.

• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – The bold, tangy flavor star of this dish.

• 2 cups Colby Jack cheese (shredded) – Milder and super melty, it brings balance to the sharp cheddar.

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded) – For that iconic cheese pull and gooey interior.

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Subtle savory boost that rounds out the flavor.

• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a mellow, aromatic sweetness.

• 1 teaspoon dry mustard – Enhances the cheese’s sharpness and adds depth.

• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds gentle warmth and a touch of smoky color to the dish.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing and amplifying all the other flavors.

• 2 large eggs (beaten) – Helps bind the ingredients together into that classic custard-style Southern texture.

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional) – For a golden, crispy topping that adds contrast to the creamy base.

• 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional) – Mix with breadcrumbs for a crunchy, buttery finish on top.

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This is where the magic happens. You’ve got your ingredients, your oven’s warming up, and soon your kitchen will be filled with that unbeatable, cozy scent of bubbling, cheesy goodness. Let’s walk through the process step by step—no stress, no fuss—just good, comforting food.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   Grease a large baking dish with butter or nonstick spray and set it aside. You want it ready to go once everything’s combined.

2. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente.
   This means the pasta should still have a little bite—it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain it and set aside.

3. Make your roux:
   In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes. This gets rid of the raw flour taste and forms the base of your creamy cheese sauce.

4. Slowly pour in the warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.
   Keep whisking until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes smooth—this takes a few minutes, but it’s worth the wait.

5. Season it up with garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   These little additions bring so much depth and warmth to the final dish.

6. Add the cheese:
   Remove the pot from heat, then stir in 3 cups of sharp cheddar, 1½ cups of Colby Jack, and ½ cup of mozzarella. Stir until melted and velvety.

7. Temper the eggs:
   In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Add a spoonful or two of the hot cheese sauce into the eggs, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling them. Then slowly stir the tempered eggs back into the cheese sauce. This gives the dish its classic Southern custard texture.

8. Combine pasta and sauce:
   Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly so every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.

9. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
   Spread evenly, then top with the remaining cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella. If you're using breadcrumbs, toss them with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for that golden, crunchy crust.

10. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown.

Let it cool for just a few minutes before serving—if you can wait. Trust me, it’s worth the anticipation.

What to Serve with Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This dish is indulgent, rich, and the star of any table—but it also plays well with others. Whether you’re making it for a holiday dinner or a casual family night, here are some perfect pairings to round out your meal.

Suggested Pairings

Proteins:

• Crispy Southern fried chicken

• Smoky BBQ ribs or pulled pork

• Honey-glazed ham

Vegetables:

• Classic collard greens

• Roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze

• Sweet candied yams

Drinks:

• Iced sweet tea

• Sparkling apple cider

• Lemonade with fresh mint

Desserts:

• Warm peach cobbler with vanilla ice cream

• Red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting

These sides bring balance, texture, and flavor variety to your meal—and they all make great leftovers too!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is how easily customizable it is. Whether you’re adapting for dietary needs or just want to mix things up, these variations let you make it your own without sacrificing that comforting soul food essence.

Gluten-Free Version

• Swap in gluten-free elbow macaroni

• Use gluten-free flour (like rice flour or a 1:1 GF blend) in your roux
  You’ll get the same creamy, cheesy result—just gentler on sensitive stomachs.

Spicy Version

• Mix in chopped jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a swirl of hot sauce for heat

• Swap Colby Jack for pepper jack cheese to turn up the spice level

Meat Lover’s Version

• Stir in crispy bacon crumbles, diced ham, or seasoned ground sausage for an extra hearty twist
  It’s like mac and cheese meets your favorite meat dish—pure comfort food fusion.

Extra Cheesy Version

• Add cream cheese or smoked gouda to make it even richer

• Increase total cheese to your heart’s content—just don’t forget to adjust the seasoning

Fancy Version

• For a gourmet edge, add truffle oil, lobster meat, or even caramelized onions

• Serve it in individual ramekins for a dinner party wow factor

Storage Instructions

One of the best things about this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is that it stores beautifully—so go ahead and make a big batch! Whether you're prepping ahead or savoring leftovers, here’s how to keep every bite creamy and delicious.

Room Temperature

Mac and cheese is best served warm and fresh, but if you’re not digging in right away:

• Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours

• After that, it needs to be stored in the fridge to stay safe and tasty

Refrigeration

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container

• Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days

• When reheating, add a splash of milk before microwaving or baking to bring back the creamy texture

Freezing

• Let it cool completely before freezing

• Wrap tightly or use a freezer-safe container

• For best quality, use within 2 months

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven until hot and bubbly

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Want your mac and cheese to turn out just right every time? These handy tips will help you nail it—especially if you’re new to making baked pasta dishes from scratch.

• Use freshly shredded cheese – It melts more smoothly than pre-packaged varieties

• Warm your milk before adding it to the roux—it helps the sauce thicken evenly

• Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue cooking in the oven, so al dente is key

• Temper the eggs carefully – This prevents them from scrambling when added to the hot sauce

• Mix up your cheeses – Combining bold and mild cheeses adds flavor complexity and that dreamy texture

Related Recipes

If you loved this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you might also enjoy:

• 👉 Cornbread Mexican Casserole Recipe – A hearty, flavorful bake that complements mac and cheese beautifully.

• 👉 Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti – Another cheesy comfort favorite perfect for potlucks.

• 👉 Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Bombs Recipe – A snackable twist with loads of melty cheese.

• 👉 Baked Garlic Brown Sugar Chicken – Sweet, savory, and ideal to serve alongside mac and cheese.

• 👉 Steak and Pasta Recipes – For readers looking to add protein to their meal.

FAQs

Even the simplest recipes come with a few common questions—here are the ones I get asked most about this Southern favorite:

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts better and doesn’t clump as much—totally worth the extra few minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the mac and cheese, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Just bake when ready.

Can I skip the eggs?

Yes, though the eggs help create that traditional Southern custard-like texture. Without them, the dish will be creamier but less firm.

What’s the best cheese combo?

I love sharp cheddar for its boldness, mozzarella for gooeyness, and Colby Jack for melty richness. Together, they’re perfection.

Conclusion

Whether you're planning a big Sunday dinner, prepping for Thanksgiving, or just craving a hug in a bowl, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese checks all the boxes. It’s rich, comforting, cheesy in the best way, and endlessly customizable.

And the best part? It’s easier than you think. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little love, you’ll have a dish that tastes like home and makes everyone at the table go back for seconds (and thirds).

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your variations, or pin it for later—because great comfort food is always worth sharing. 💛

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