The smell of bubbling cheese and butter on a Sunday afternoon? That’s home. This Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese brings that warm, nostalgic vibe that TikTok can’t stop talking about. Extra rich, extra golden, and absolutely loaded with comfort.
We’re talking layers of elbow macaroni swimming in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, gooey American, and a buttery milk mixture. It’s like grandma’s Southern baked macaroni and cheesebut with shortcuts for the rest of us. Full details in the blog!
This one’s been on my family table for generationsmy aunt called it “the good pan,” which meant hide it from everyone else. I’ve tested it, tweaked it, and added one little upgrade you’ll want to steal. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy this creamy and comforting Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese, a Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese classic. Perfect for family dinners, this Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese brings rich flavors and a golden crust.
Ingredients
Scale
16 ounces macaroni noodles
2 cup heavy cream
1 cup half n half
1 stick unsalted butter melted
2 eggs beaten
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp ground black pepper
24 ounces Colby Jack or Monterrey Jack cheese shredded
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
Heat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook the macaroni noodles until just tender following package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Toss the hot noodles with the melted butter in a large bowl.
Pour in the heavy cream, half and half, sour cream, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
Beat in the eggs along with 16 ounces of Monterrey Jack cheese, stirring until combined.
Add the sharp cheddar cheese and blend everything evenly.
Butter a baking dish or spray it with nonstick spray, then transfer the pasta mixture into it.
Sprinkle the remaining 8 ounces of Monterrey Jack cheese evenly on top.
Bake the dish for 35 to 40 minutes until it becomes bubbly and golden on the surface.
Let the baked macaroni sit for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
For crisp tops, broil 2–3 minutes at the end
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about this Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese. Each bite is ooey-gooey, cheesy perfection that feels like a warm hug exactly what we all need at Sunday dinner or a holiday gathering. It’s the ultimate comfort food, straight from the heart of Southern cooking.
This recipe is foolproof, even for newer cooks! It balances nostalgia with practicality simple ingredients, easy steps, and no hard-to-pronounce cheese blends. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser: rich, creamy, and irresistibly golden on top. Trust me, folks will be coming back for seconds (and probably thirds).
And here’s the best part: no stovetop roux needed! It all comes together in one dreamy, baked casserole. Less fuss, more flavor we’re all about that life.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s talk about what makes this dish shine. The blend of Colby Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses melts into the creamiest, most luscious sauce imaginable. Meanwhile, the sour cream brings a little tang, and seasoning salt adds that signature Southern kick. You’ll also love the richness of heavy cream and half-and-half.
16 ounces macaroni noodles: These are your blank canvas. Cook them al dente for the perfect texture.
Colby Jack and Sharp Cheddar Cheese: This blend is magic. The Colby Jack melts like a dream, while sharp cheddar adds bold flavor.
Heavy Cream + Half-and-Half: This double-duty dairy combo makes the dish ultra creamy.
Seasonings: Simple yet flavorful seasoning salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of black pepper bring everything together.
Tools you’ll need: A large mixing bowl, a greased baking dish, and a good grater for shredding all that delicious cheese. (Store-bought pre-shredded works too for those busy nights!)
Simple Steps to Make It
This recipe may look indulgent, but making it is surprisingly simple. Here’s how we do it:
Prep the noodles: Boil the macaroni noodles until al dente (they’ll keep cooking in the oven). Drain and toss them with melted butter in a large bowl.
Mix the magic: Stir in the heavy cream, half-and-half, sour cream, seasonings, and beaten eggs. Add in 16 ounces of Colby Jack cheese and all 8 ounces of sharp cheddar. Mix well until everything is coated with that cheesy goodness.
Assemble: Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and spread it evenly. Then sprinkle the remaining 8 ounces of Colby Jack over the top.
Bake: Set your oven to 375°F and bake for 35–40 minutes, until bubbly and gloriously golden.
Rest and serve: Once out of the oven, let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows all those flavors to settle into that perfect bite. Serve warm, and watch everyone light up!
Step
Action
Time
1
Boil macaroni noodles
8–10 minutes
2
Mix ingredients
5 minutes
3
Assemble and bake
35–40 minutes
Pro Tips & Variations
Pro Tip: Always grate your own cheese if you can it melts smoother and tastes fresher! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that can affect texture.
If you’re feeling creative, try mixing up the cheeses. Gouda or smoked cheddar would add a fun new twist. Or give your dish a spicy kick with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Need to make it ahead? Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dish come to room temperature first, then pop it in the oven.
How to Serve & Store
Pair this classic Southern mac and cheese with other soul food stars like fried chicken, collard greens, or cornbread. It’s a perfect centerpiece for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners with family.
Storage Method
How Long It Lasts
Reheating Instructions
Fridge
Up to 4 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Freezer
Up to 2 months
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above.
Whatever you do, serve with loveand maybe hide an extra serving for yourself. This creamy baked mac and cheese is so good, leftovers might disappear before you know it!
Expert Says
Old fashioned soul food baked mac and cheese achieves its signature creamy texture by using a béchamel-based cheese sauce. The slow baking process not only develops a golden crust but also allows starches to gelatinize fully, creating a comforting balance of creamy and crispy layers that enhance the dish’s rich flavor.
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Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese: A Labor of Love
After way too many batches of curdled cheese and burnt edges, I finally nailed this Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese. It took patience, some tasty accidents, and a few family taste tests to get the creamy, cozy dish just rightnow it’s a recipe I’m proud to share with you all.
FAQs ( Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese )
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready, simply bake it until hot and bubbly, adding a few extra minutes if taken straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for busy holidays or Sunday dinners.
What kind of cheese works best?
A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy American cheese gives the best balance of flavor and melt. Feel free to add a bit of Monterey Jack or Colby for extra creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese to ensure a smooth texture with this dish.
How do I get a crispy top on my baked mac?
Sprinkling a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and a little melted butter over the mac and cheese before baking creates a golden, crunchy crust. Baking uncovered at the end helps brown the topping nicely without drying out the creamy interior.
Can I freeze leftover Southern baked macaroni and cheese?
Yes, this meal freezes well. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven to preserve creaminess.
What makes Black Folks Mac and Cheese different?
This traditional version features a creamy, baked texture and often uses a roux-based cheese sauce for richness. It’s typically whipped up with sharp cheddar and creamy cheeses, baked to develop a golden crust, embodying soulful comfort with every bite.
Conclusion
After about 45 minutes from start to finish, this Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese rewards you with that golden, bubbling top and a creamy, dreamy middle that feels like a hug from grandma herself. You’ll love how the cheesy aroma fills your kitchen while the tender macaroni holds just the right amount of rich, cozy goodnesscomfort food done flawlessly, without fuss.
Here’s a little secret I picked up in my own kitchen: stirring in a sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a subtle warmth that’s just irresistible. Don’t stress if you swap some cheeses or skip an ingredientthis recipe welcomes a little flexibility. Leftovers? Cover tightly and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes to refresh that soft, cheesy crust. Trust me, this one’s worth saving!
Now it’s your turn! Snap a pic of your cheesy masterpiece or tell medid you grow up with your own beloved mac and cheese recipe? Share your stories or save this recipe for your next family gathering. Homemade soul food like this always tastes best when made (and shared) with love.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
