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Golden baked mac and cheese in a casserole dish topped with bubbling melted cheese and crispy breadcrumbs.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese


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  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, custard-style comfort food favorite packed with sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheese. A golden, bubbly top seals in layers of rich flavor—perfect for any holiday or Sunday dinner.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using breadcrumbs)


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish.
  2. Cook macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
  4. Slowly add warmed milk and heavy cream, whisking until smooth and thickened.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups cheddar, 1½ cups Colby Jack, and ½ cup mozzarella until melted.
  7. In a bowl, combine beaten eggs with a small amount of hot cheese sauce to temper, then stir back into the pot.
  8. Add cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix well.
  9. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  10. If using breadcrumbs, toss with melted butter and sprinkle over top.
  11. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and flavor.
  • Warm the milk before adding to roux to avoid clumps.
  • Don’t skip tempering the eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 420 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg