The Creamiest Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever

Creamy southern baked mac and cheese brings comfort straight to your dinner table with unbeatable southern charm.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic side dish across kitchens in Alabama and Georgia.

Melted cheeses create a rich, velvety sauce that hugs each pasta curve with delicious intensity.

Crispy golden breadcrumbs crown this casserole, adding a satisfying crunch to every heavenly bite.

cheese blends like sharp cheddar and smooth monterey jack guarantee maximum flavor in each spoonful.

Families gather around this nostalgic dish, celebrating tradition and pure deliciousness.

Let’s unlock the secrets to making this irresistible mac and cheese that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Southern Baked Mac: Why It Steals the Show

• Dive into a creamy, cheesy classic that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors guaranteed to satisfy any comfort food craving.
• Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this mac and cheese appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
• Easily adapt the recipe by experimenting with different cheese blends or adding crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or vegetables to create your own unique spin on this Southern favorite.

The Key Ingredients for Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: A classic pasta shape perfect for holding onto creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and rich flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds a smooth and mild cheese element to the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creates a crispy golden topping for extra flavor and texture.

• Butter: Helps create a rich and smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Milk: Provides the creamy liquid for the cheese sauce.

• Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Mustard Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.

Your Roadmap to Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it’s perfectly tender but still has a slight bite.

Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Roux Base

In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly, cooking until the mixture turns a beautiful golden color and smells nutty.

Step 3: Craft Velvety Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Mustard powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring gently to ensure every single noodle gets completely coated in the decadent cheese mixture.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top for an extra crispy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in a preheated oven and bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness.

The mac and cheese should be hot and creamy throughout.

Mac & Cheese: Tried-and-True Tips

• Cook macaroni just until al dente to maintain a firm texture and avoid mushy mac and cheese.
• Whisk flour and butter carefully for two minutes to create a golden base that thickens the sauce without lumps.
• Mix cheddar and Monterey Jack for a rich, creamy flavor profile that melts smoothly and provides depth.
• Add a pinch of mustard powder to boost the cheese sauce's tanginess and create a more sophisticated taste.
• Sprinkle Parmesan on top for a crispy, golden-brown layer that adds delightful texture and nutty undertones.

Southern Baked Mac Storage Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out.
• Place mac and cheese in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through. Stir carefully to redistribute cheese sauce.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Transfer mac and cheese to oven-safe dish. Add small amount of milk or cream. Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until completely heated. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating. Discard if ice crystals have formed or texture appears grainy.

Sides That Love Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese with a light, tangy green salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette dressing.
• Complement with Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Match the Southern-style mac and cheese with golden, crispy buttermilk fried chicken for a classic comfort food combination that delivers incredible flavor and texture.
• Serve with Chilled Sweet Tea: Quench your thirst and balance the cheesy richness with a refreshing glass of traditional Southern sweet tea, bringing a perfect cooling counterpoint to the warm, creamy dish.
• Select Bold Red Wine: Enhance the meal with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, whose robust flavors can stand up to the intense cheese and creamy texture of the mac and cheese.

Mac & Cheese – Twists Worth Trying

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, use gluten-free pasta, and ensure all cheese is gluten-free.
• Vegan Comfort Version: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, use plant-based milk like almond or oat, replace butter with vegan margarine, and add cashew cream for richness.
• Protein-Packed Option: Mix in cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham before baking, and use Greek yogurt to boost protein content.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reduce flour quantity, and use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly adaptation.

FAQs

• What makes this mac and cheese different from stovetop versions?

This baked version creates a richer, creamier texture with a golden crispy top, achieved by adding Parmesan cheese and baking in the oven for a delightful crusty exterior.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Monterey Jack provide classic flavor, you can experiment with Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for unique taste profiles while maintaining a similar creamy consistency.

• Is mustard powder really necessary?

Mustard powder adds a subtle tangy depth that enhances the cheese flavor without making the dish taste like mustard. It’s a secret ingredient that elevates the overall taste of the mac and cheese.

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

By creating a thick, creamy cheese sauce and not overcooking in the oven, you’ll maintain moisture. The gradual milk addition and continuous whisking helps create a smooth, creamy base that prevents dryness.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern baked mac and cheese brings soul-warming comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Cheesy, rich layers meld perfectly with crisp breadcrumb topping, promising a nostalgic bite that connects generations of home cooks.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups whole milk

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Binding and Texture Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

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Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in generously salted water until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Create a roux by melting butter in a medium saucepan, then gradually incorporate flour. Whisk consistently for 2-3 minutes until achieving a light golden hue.
3. Slowly stream milk into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Simmer for 4-5 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Fold shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses into the creamy base. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese completely melts and integrates.
5. Gently fold cooked macaroni into the velvety cheese mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly coated.
6. Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, spreading evenly and sprinkling Parmesan cheese across the surface.
7. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate perfect doneness.

Notes

• Ensure pasta is perfectly al dente by cooking just until tender to prevent mushiness during baking.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
• Layer extra cheese on top for a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful texture and visual appeal.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 457
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg