Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, combining creamy, rich flavors with the satisfying crunch of a golden, cheesy crust. Unlike the stovetop version, this baked variation is elevated by layers of cheese and a luscious sauce, all wrapped around perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s a dish that’s sure to steal the show at holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or any occasion where delicious comfort food is a must.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy and Cheesy – The combination of a rich cheese sauce and melted cheese makes every bite irresistibly smooth.
- Perfectly Baked – The top forms a golden and crispy layer, while the inside remains wonderfully creamy.
- A True Southern Favorite – A timeless comfort food, often enjoyed at family gatherings and special occasions.
- Egg-Free for Extra Creaminess – This version maintains a creamy texture without the need for eggs, making it even more indulgent.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Evaporated milk
- Heavy cream
- Sharp and mild cheddar cheese
- Colby Jack cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Cream cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for topping)
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your baking dish to ensure the mac and cheese comes out easily after baking.
Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water, making sure it’s cooked to just al dente, which will help it absorb the sauce without becoming mushy. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the evaporated milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and allow it to warm up. Next, add the cream cheese and stir it into the sauce until it’s fully melted and smooth. Slowly incorporate the shredded cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce is completely creamy and smooth.
Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Toss the cooked elbow macaroni in the cheese sauce until every piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
Layer the Mac and Cheese: Pour half of the cheesy pasta mixture into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle some extra cheese over the top, then layer the remaining mac and cheese mixture on top. Add even more cheese on top for that gooey, golden finish.
Optional Crunchy Topping: For some added texture, mix melted butter with Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers and sprinkle this topping evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to ensure the texture is perfect. Enjoy the ultimate cheesy, creamy comfort food!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8 people
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to give your mac and cheese a spicy twist.
- Meat Lover’s Version: Stir in cooked sausage, shredded chicken, or any other meat you prefer for a heartier dish.
- Extra Creamy: For an ultra-creamy texture, substitute some of the cheddar cheese with Velveeta or add more cream cheese.
- Three-Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina to add unique flavors to your mac and cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch, freeze the baked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat.
- Reheating: To bring back that creamy texture, warm the mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes. You can also add a splash of milk to keep it extra creamy.
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 2 cups evaporated milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in evaporated milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually add the shredded cheeses, stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Toss the cooked macaroni in the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer half of the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with extra cheese, then layer the remaining mac and cheese on top. Add more cheese on top for extra melt.
- For the topping, mix melted butter with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to set.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a better sauce, pre-shredded cheese will work if you’re in a pinch.
How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out?
The combination of evaporated milk and heavy cream helps keep the mac and cheese moist. Be sure not to overbake it, as this can cause it to dry out.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
What can I serve with Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, or BBQ ribs.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can also use pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne.
How do I make it extra cheesy?
For an extra cheesy mac and cheese, add more shredded cheese between the layers of pasta and sauce before baking.
Can I add eggs?
Traditional recipes sometimes use eggs for a custard-like texture, but this version remains creamy and delicious without them.
What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar provides bold flavor, mozzarella adds creaminess, and Colby Jack gives a smooth melt.
Can I make a healthier version?
To make a healthier mac and cheese, use whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, and substitute some of the heavy cream with milk.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook it on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Once it’s cooked, top it with cheese and bake for a few minutes to get that crispy top.
Conclusion
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a comforting and indulgent dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its creamy texture, gooey cheese, and crispy topping, it’s the kind of food that makes a meal memorable. Whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a backyard cookout, this classic Southern recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfectly baked and loaded with cheese, it delivers all the comfort and flavor you crave in one irresistible dish.
This rich and creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, creamy milk, and a touch of seasoning, this classic favorite is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday meal or a family dinner!