Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy and Irresistible Recipe

Name: SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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That bubbling, golden cheesy crust? Smells like Sunday at Grandma’s. Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is trending hard right now all over Pinterest dinners, TikTok trays, maybe even your church potluck. And yep, there’s a reason. It’s rich, creamy, and straight-up joy in a pan.

This isn’t your boxed mac. We’re layering sharp cheddar, buttery noodles, and a dash of soul. Think homemade but without fifty steps. It’s the kind of easy recipe that makes you look like you tried way harder than you did. Full details in the blog!

I grew up on this. Well, something close a little messier, a lotta love. We’ve tested this version over family dinners and late-night cravings. Not too fancy, just right. I added one bold twist. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Ultimate comfort food: Creamy, cheesy layers with a golden, crunchy topping make this the definition of cozy.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredientsjust simple steps anyone can follow.
Family-approved: Perfect for dinner tables, potlucks, or Sunday gatherings. Trust me, it’s gone before you even finish your plate.
Rich flavors, endless nostalgia: Think classic soul food vibes but easy enough for a weeknight treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s your basic lineup for this homemade mac and cheese recipe baked perfection. Don’t worry if your pantry’s looking sparseyou’ve got some flexibility.

SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

Ingredient	Purpose	Swap Ideas
8 oz elbow macaroni	The pasta base	Small shells, penne, or rotini
4 tbsp unsalted butter	Binder for the roux	Margarine or salted butter (reduce added salt)
4 tbsp all-purpose flour	Thickens the sauce	Gluten-free flour (if needed)
4 cups whole milk	Base for the creamy sauce	Half-and-half for extra richness
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded	Main cheesy flavor	Colby or Gruyere
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded	Adds meltiness	Mozzarella or Havarti
1 tsp garlic powder	For a hint of flavor	Onion powder
1 tsp salt	Basic seasoning	Sea salt
½ tsp black pepper	Adds subtle warmth	Cayenne (for heat)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs	Crispy topping	Crushed crackers

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to the package directions (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside. Note: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it stay firm when baked.
Make the roux: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Add the milk: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Bring to a simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly, around 5 minutes.
Fold in the cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack until melted. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine and bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Toss the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko over the top. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbling and golden.

Step	Timing
Boil pasta	7–8 minutes
Make roux and sauce	5–7 minutes
Bake	20–25 minutes
Total	40 minutes

Troubleshooting and Tips

Sauce looking too thick? Stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up before combining with pasta.
Cheese not melting smoothly? Make sure you’re grating your own cheesepre-shredded kinds often have anti-caking agents that affect melting.
Crispy top hack: Broil the dish for 1–2 minutes after baking to get an extra crunchy topping.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Southern mac and cheese is best served fresh and hot from the oven, but leftovers reheat beautifully. Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:

Storage	Instructions
Refrigerator	Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freezer	Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tip	Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the pasta creamy.

Expert Insight: The Science Behind Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern baked mac and cheese achieves its signature creamy texture through a careful balance of cheeses and baking techniques. Slow baking allows the sauce to thicken beautifully while creating a golden crust, enhancing both flavor and mouthfeel. This method elevates a classic comfort dish into a rich, satisfying experience.

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The Making of My Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

After several rounds of overcooked noodles and cheese disasters, I finally nailed this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Each try taught me when to hold back on the heat and how to get that perfect golden crust. This recipe is the cozy, cheesy result of all those trial-and-error kitchen moments.

FAQs ( Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers )

What makes Southern baked mac and cheese different from regular mac and cheese?

Southern baked mac and cheese is a true soul food comfort dish that’s much richer and more decadent than stovetop versions. It typically uses a combination of multiple cheeses like sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and sometimes Velveeta for that perfect creamy texture. The dish is baked in the oven until golden and bubbly on top, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy surface and creamy interior. Traditional Southern recipes often include eggs and evaporated milk, giving it a custard-like consistency that sets it apart from other mac and cheese variations.

What type of cheese works best for homemade mac and cheese recipe baked?

For the best baked mac and cheese recipe, use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese as your base, which provides that classic tangy flavor and beautiful orange color. Adding cream cheese creates incredible creaminess, while a touch of Monterey Jack or Colby helps with melting. Many Southern cooks swear by including a small amount of Velveeta or American cheese for extra smoothness. Always use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it melts better and doesn’t contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.

How long should I bake mac and cheese and at what temperature?

Bake your mac and cheese casserole at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes until it’s golden brown and bubbly around the edges. If you want a more golden top, you can increase the temperature to 375°F for the last 5-10 minutes or use the broiler briefly. The internal temperature should reach about 165°F, and a knife inserted in the center should come out hot. Cover with foil if the top browns too quickly before the center is heated through.

Can I make this cheesy mac and cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! This mac and cheese casserole is perfect for meal prep and actually tastes even better the next day. You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

What pasta shape works best for Southern mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for Southern mac and cheese, and for good reason – those curves hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully. However, you can also use shells, cavatappi, or rotini, which all have nooks and crannies that grab the cheesy goodness. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, as they don’t work well in this best mac n cheese recipe. Cook your pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want mushy results in your finished casserole.