Irresistibly Creamy Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

Southern comfort finds its ultimate expression in this creamy, golden mac and cheese that whispers stories of grandmother’s kitchen.

Generations have passed down this cherished recipe through fragrant, bubbling casseroles.

Cheese melts into velvety rivers, coating tender pasta with rich, Southern charm.

Crispy breadcrumb edges promise a delightful crunch that contrasts perfectly with the smooth interior.

Packed with sharp cheddar and a secret blend of cheeses, this dish goes beyond simple side fare.

You’ll discover a soul-warming classic that speaks directly to comfort and tradition.

Peek into this recipe, and let the magic of Southern cooking inspire your next meal.

Why Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Feels Like Home

• Comfort Food Champion: Southern mac and cheese delivers pure, rich, creamy comfort that hugs your taste buds with every delicious bite.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday meals where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying side dish that brings people together.
• Customizable Culinary Adventure: Easily adapt the recipe by adding crispy bacon, jalapeños, or different cheese blends to match personal flavor preferences and create a unique dining experience.
• Southern Charm Guaranteed: Captures the essence of traditional Southern cooking with its luxurious, creamy texture and golden-brown crispy top that promises a mouthwatering meal everyone will love.

What You Need For Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that provides the perfect base for this creamy Southern-style dish.
• Whole Milk: Creates a rich and smooth foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds extra richness and luxurious texture to the mac and cheese.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a custard-like consistency.

• Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that delivers a complex, sharp, and creamy flavor profile with depth and melting qualities.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A classic spice combination that enhances the overall flavor of the mac and cheese.

• Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds texture to the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to finish the dish.

How To Bake Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook The Pasta

Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until perfectly tender, about 7-8 minutes. Drain completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Base

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Garlic powder

Blend until smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Blend

• Cheddar cheese
• Monterey jack cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Keep a small portion aside for final topping.

Step 5: Incorporate Melted Butter

Gently melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then fold carefully into the milk mixture.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Cheese

Add cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure every pasta piece gets perfectly coated.

Step 7: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly across the surface.

Step 8: Add Liquid Layer

Slowly pour the milk and egg mixture over the pasta, allowing it to seep between pasta layers.

Step 9: Create Crispy Topping

Sprinkle reserved cheese and breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish.

Step 10: Bake To Golden Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the center sets firmly.

Step 11: Rest And Settle

Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, allowing the mac and cheese to firm up and meld flavors.

Step 12: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Smart Tips For Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Choose High-Quality Cheese: Select sharp cheddar and good-melting monterey jack for rich, complex flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Slightly undercook macaroni before baking since it will continue cooking in the oven, ensuring a creamy, tender texture.
• Layer Ingredients Carefully: Pour milk mixture slowly and evenly to help pasta absorb liquid uniformly, creating a consistent, smooth mac and cheese.
• Control Baking Temperature: Watch closely during last 10 minutes of baking to prevent burning, aiming for golden-brown top without drying out the dish.
• Boost Protein Option: Add cooked diced chicken or crispy bacon bits for extra protein and deeper flavor profile if desired.

Bold Twists On Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Smoky Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crisp and crumble bacon pieces throughout the dish, adding a rich, smoky flavor and crunchy texture to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese: Mix diced jalapeños and cream cheese into the base, topping with crispy breadcrumbs and additional sliced peppers for a zesty kick.
• Truffle Mushroom Mac and Cheese: Sauté wild mushrooms and drizzle truffle oil over the top, incorporating earthy flavors and a luxurious gourmet touch to the classic recipe.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Shred cooked chicken tossed in buffalo sauce and fold into the mac and cheese, garnishing with blue cheese crumbles and green onions for a game-day inspired version.

Great Pairings For Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a bright, acidic chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese, balancing its heaviness with refreshing citrus notes.
• Create Tangy Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs to provide a zesty contrast against the dense, cheesy pasta dish.
• Match Smoky Protein Partner: Add grilled chicken or crispy bacon on the side to complement the mac and cheese's smooth texture, introducing a savory protein element that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Serve Crunchy Vegetable Complement: Include roasted broccoli or green beans with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional depth and textural variation to the creamy southern-style mac and cheese.

Best Way To Store Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the flavor.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Wrap securely to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Cool the dish completely before storing. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or separating.

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese FAQs Answered Right Here

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheeses while keeping a mix of sharp and mild flavors. Try gruyère, gouda, or fontina for variety, but maintain similar cheese textures and melting properties.

• Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free macaroni and replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal.

• How can I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming dry?

Ensure you use full-fat dairy products, don’t overcook the pasta, and cover with foil during part of the baking process to retain moisture. The milk and egg mixture helps keep the dish creamy.

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Southern charm in this irresistible Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, a creamy classic that whispers home and hospitality. Layers of sharp cheddar and smooth bechamel envelop tender pasta, promising you a soul-warming bite of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Cheese:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Dairy and Creamy Base:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Seasonings and Extras:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, eggs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.
4. In a separate large bowl, combine cheddar, monterey jack, and parmesan cheeses, reserving a small portion for topping.
5. Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then gently fold it into the milk mixture.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to ensure each pasta piece is evenly coated.
7. Pour the cheese-coated pasta into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8. Slowly pour the milk and egg mixture over the pasta, allowing it to settle between the pasta layers.
9. Sprinkle the reserved cheese and breadcrumbs evenly across the top of the dish.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the center is set.
11. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes to allow the mac and cheese to firm up.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the rich, creamy flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, fontina, or gouda for a more complex taste experience.
• Prevent dry mac and cheese by avoiding overcooking the pasta and ensuring the milk mixture covers the noodles completely.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and replacing breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 630
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg