The smell of bubbling, golden cheese from the oven hits you like a warm hugand suddenly you’re eight again, stealing a corner bite off grandma’s casserole. This Southern Mac and Cheese Baked beauty is all over TikTok, and for good reason: it’s the definition of creamy, satisfying comfort in a dish.
The heart of this recipe is melty cheddar, a smidge of cream cheese for extra richness, and a baked finish that gives it that toasty, southern-style top. It’s like your favorite easy homemade mac ‘n cheese, dressed up for church potluck. It’s low-fuss, pantry-friendly, and full-on cozy. Full details in the blog!
When I made this for my mom, she took one bite and said, “Oof. That’s the good stuff.” This one’s been tested on picky kids, sleepy husbands, and one very skeptical neighbor. I’ve got tips, swaps, and one little secret ingredient. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Southern Mac and Cheese Baked is a classic comfort dish that’s creamy and easy to make. This recipe shows How To Make Homemade Mac And Cheese Easy with just a few ingredients. Enjoy a rich and smooth Easy Mac And Cheese Recipe With Cream Cheese perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
2–¼ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter room temperature slightly softened
¾ cup whole milk room temperature or half and half or evaporated milk
3 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided one 8-oz block of sharp cheddar cheese
½ tablespoon sea salt for boiling the pasta if desired
½ teaspoon sea salt for flavoring the mac and cheese if desired
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat your oven to 375F and make sure butter and milk are at room temperature before starting.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just tender, then drain and return it to the pot off the heat.
Add the butter to the hot pasta and stir gently until melted, then pour in the milk.
Mix in half a teaspoon of sea salt, black pepper, and half of the shredded cheese by lightly tossing the pasta to blend.
Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart casserole dish, top with the remaining cheese, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes.
Once baked, remove from oven and stir gently. Let the dish rest for a few minutes to reduce stringiness before serving.
Notes
This recipe has been tested multiple times in my kitchen
Your success depends on carefully following the recipe and instructions as written
If you love mac and cheese, why not check out my Beefy Mac and Cheese Just add ground beef and a few more ingredients for a quick and easy main entree Delicious!
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:holiday side dish, Main Course, Side Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Serving Size:4.8oz
Calories:357kcal
Sugar:2g
Sodium:431mg
Fat:27g
Saturated Fat:17g
Unsaturated Fat:1g + 8g
Trans Fat:1g
Carbohydrates:11g
Fiber:1g
Protein:17g
Cholesterol:82mg
Why You’ll Love This Southern Mac and Cheese Baked Recipe
This recipe feels like a warm hug in a bowl, with melty shredded cheddar and a golden-baked top layer that’s pure comfort food. It’s family-tested and picky-eater-approved, making it perfect for weeknights or special occasions. No complicated steps, no fancy toolsjust creamy, cheesy goodness in under 30 minutes.
Plus, with only four main ingredients, it’s budget-friendly, pantry-friendly, and ideal for nights when you don’t want to overthink dinner. Simple, practical, and undeniably nostalgicthat’s what makes this Southern Mac and Cheese Baked a winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need & Handy Tools
The ingredient list is short and sweet, but each one shines, so quality matters here! Here’s what you’ll need:
Elbow Macaroni: The classic base for that perfectly tender, chewy bite.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated for maximum creaminess (skip the pre-shreddedtrust me).
Whole Milk: Room temperature is key to keeping the cheese sauce silky smooth. You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk in a pinch.
Butter: Adds luxurious richness and blends everything beautifully.
As for tools, you’ll need a large pot, a pasta colander, a 2-quart casserole dish, and a trusty cheese grater. Keeping it simple is the name of the game!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Easy Mac and Cheese
Follow these easy steps to create a creamy, dreamy mac and cheese without breaking a sweat:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni in salted, boiling water until al dente (don’t overcook!). Drain and return it to the pot.
Add softened butter to your hot pasta and stir gently until melted. Pour in the room-temperature milk.
Mix in 1 ½ cups of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss lightlydon’t overmix; you want some texture left in the cheese.
Spoon the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that signature baked layer. No stirring herejust let the magic happen.
Bake uncovered for 10 minutes. Let it rest for a few minutes to allow the cheese to settle before serving. Pro tip: A quick stir after baking makes the creamy layers even more irresistible!
Cooking Time Overview
Step
Time
Boil Pasta
10 minutes
Mix Ingredients
5 minutes
Bake
10 minutes
Pro Tips and Variations
Pro Tip: Always let your milk and butter come to room temperature before adding them. This creates a smoother, creamier texture without curdling. And remember, grating your own cheese makes all the differenceit melts beautifully without that powdery texture.
Looking for a twist? Try using a mix of cheddar and gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. You can also sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy finish.
Serving, Storage & Reheating
This dish is best served straight from the oven, but leftovers can be just as delicious! First, let the mac and cheese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
To store: Keep leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat with a splash of milk to restore its creaminess. You can microwave it or pop it back in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Storage & Reheating Guide
Storage Method
Reheating Tips
In Refrigerator (up to 3 days)
Add ¼ cup of milk and microwave or bake at 350°F.
Now all that’s left to do is grab a fork and dig in. This mac and cheese is pure Southern comforteasy, creamy, and downright irresistible!
Expert Says
Southern mac and cheese baked recipes rely on a balance of creamy cheese sauce and pasta texture. Baking creates a golden crust through the Maillard reaction, enhancing flavor and adding a pleasant crunch. Using a mix of cheeses with varying fat contents ensures smoothness and prevents separation during cooking.
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Finally nailing Southern Mac and Cheese Baked just right
After several experiments involving smoky cheese mishaps and crispy-but-not-burnt topping debates, I’ve finally landed on the perfect Southern Mac and Cheese Baked recipe. It’s been a patient, cheesy journey with plenty of creamy victories and golden edges worth every messy spoonful.
FAQs ( Southern Mac and Cheese Baked )
How do I make Southern Mac and Cheese Baked creamy and rich?
To get a creamy, rich texture, use a blend of sharp cheddar and cream cheese for smoothness and flavor. Cook the pasta just until al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce. Finish by baking until bubbly and golden on top to add a nice crust while keeping the interior velvety.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything up to the baking step and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it covered with foil at 350°F until hot throughout, then uncover for a crisp top before serving. This saves time while keeping the creamy texture intact.
What type of cheese works best for this meal?
Sharp cheddar is traditional for strong flavor, combined with cream cheese for extra creaminess. You can also add a bit of Monterey Jack or American cheese to enhance meltability. Avoid pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that prevent smooth melting.
How do I get the crispy top on my baked mac and cheese?
Sprinkle freshly grated cheese or breadcrumbs on top before baking to achieve a crunchy crust. Baking uncovered for the last 10 minutes lets the topping brown beautifully. Using a broiler briefly at the end also amps up the crispiness but watch carefully to avoid burning.
Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is classic, shells and cavatappi also hold sauce well. Just ensure the pasta cooks al dente and drains thoroughly to avoid a watery bake. Adjust baking time slightly if the pasta shape is larger or thicker for even cooking.
Conclusion
From start to finish, this Southern Mac and Cheese Baked comes together in under 30 minutes, delivering a dreamy, melty texture with a golden, bubbly top that smells like pure comfort. You’ll love how it turns outrich, creamy, and familiar enough to feel like a warm kitchen hug after a long day. Trust me, this one’s a keeper for any night you want cozy without the fuss.
Here’s a little trick I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: swapping half the cheddar for smoked gouda adds a sneaky depth of flavor that everyone raves about. For a crunchy twist, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs before baking. Leftovers? Just reheat with a splash of milk to keep that creamy magic aliveeasy peasy and totally worth it!
Do you have a family mac and cheese memory tucked away? I’d love to hear your stories or see your versions of this easy homemade mac ‘n cheese. Don’t be shysnap a pic, share it, or save this recipe for when you want to treat your crew to something truly comforting and delicious. Here’s to cozy meals and happy hearts at the table!
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.
