If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, then you have to try the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden, bubbly topping that makes every bite memorable. It’s a soulful classic that embodies warmth, home, and rich flavors—perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or holiday spreads. Once you make this recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for satisfying that craving for true Southern comfort food done right.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is essential, and luckily, this recipe calls for familiar, straightforward staples. Each one plays a crucial role, building layers of creamy texture, sharpness, and the perfect meltiness that makes this mac and cheese stand out.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into pasta for richness and a silky mouthfeel.
- 2½ cups whole milk: Adds creamy softness and depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup evaporated milk: Enhances the creaminess without thinning out the dish.
- 2 large eggs (beaten): Helps set the casserole, giving the perfect firm yet tender texture.
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings bold flavor that’s unmistakably Southern.
- 1½ cups Colby Jack cheese (shredded): Adds a mild creamy balance and a nice color blend.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded): Gives gooey stretch and luscious mouthfeel.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Sprinkles in a nutty, savory bite that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning every component perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle spice without overpowering the cheese.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle aromatic depth.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Infuses savory warmth.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for topping): Offers a smokey hint enhancing the baked top’s color and flavor.
How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente, ensuring it still has a slight bite so it won’t become mushy after baking. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, stirring in the butter until it melts smoothly. This step sets the stage for rich flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and beaten eggs until fully combined. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika to build a complex and savory backbone for your cheese sauce. Pour this over the macaroni and stir gently to coat every piece with creamy goodness.
Step 3: Add the Cheeses
Now the magic begins: fold in 1½ cups of sharp cheddar, 1 cup of Colby Jack, and ½ cup of mozzarella cheese. Each cheese brings its own personality—sharpness from cheddar, mellow creaminess from Colby Jack, and the gooey pull from mozzarella—resulting in a perfectly balanced cheese blend coating the pasta.
Step 4: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the cheesy macaroni mixture into your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the remaining cheeses to create layers of flavor and texture. Add the rest of the macaroni, top with the last cheeses, and finish with a sprinkle of smoky paprika for a gorgeous golden crust. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully browned. Allow the mac and cheese to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to achieve the best creamy yet firm texture.
How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
While the baked mac and cheese shines beautifully on its own, a few fresh or crunchy garnishes can lift it even higher. Try a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness or a light dusting of extra smoked paprika for a warmly spiced finish. Crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon also add an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy depths of this dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs exquisitely with classic Southern companions like collard greens, fried chicken, or slow-cooked pulled pork. The richness of the mac and cheese balances out beautifully with savory, smoky, or tangy sides, creating a meal that feels both hearty and harmonious. For a lighter touch, serve it alongside a zesty cucumber salad or steamed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
You can take your presentation up a notch by baking this dish in individual ramekins for personalized servings, perfect for dinner parties. For a crowd, a layered casserole dish looks stunning on the table and encourages second helpings. Another fun twist is topping with crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunchy finish that contrasts deliciously with the creamy interior.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days. This ensures the cheesy flavors remain fresh and the creamy texture stays satisfying without getting dry or rubbery.
Freezing
You can freeze the mac and cheese either before baking or after it has cooled post-baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Properly stored, it maintains quality for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best reheating results, warm the mac and cheese gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through and bubbly, which usually takes about 20-25 minutes. This helps revive the golden crust and creamy interior better than a microwave, which can sometimes dry it out or cause uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce well, you can substitute with shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
What if I don’t have evaporated milk?
If you don’t have evaporated milk, you can substitute with an additional 1 cup of whole milk plus a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to maintain creaminess in the sauce.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
For a vegan version, you’ll need to swap the cheeses for plant-based alternatives and use non-dairy milk with a thickener like cashew cream. However, it will alter the traditional Southern flavor and creaminess significantly.
How can I make this mac and cheese even creamier?
Stirring in half a cup of sour cream or cream cheese just before baking amps up the creaminess and adds a subtle tang that complements the cheeses fabulously.
Is it okay to prepare this dish a day ahead?
Yes! Prepare the mac and cheese completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to serve, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is one you’ll want in your cooking repertoire forever. It’s comforting, cheesy, and richly satisfying in every single bite. Whether you’re feeding a family crowd or just craving something cozy and indulgent, this dish delivers beyond expectations. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and dive into this beautiful Southern classic that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen to your heart.
Print
Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Southern baked mac and cheese recipe featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for a perfectly cheesy, golden bubbly finish. This classic soul food side dish is baked to perfection with flavorful seasonings and a smooth custard-like sauce made from whole and evaporated milk and eggs.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Dairy & Eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1½ cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and return the pasta to the pot. Stir in the butter until it melts, coating the noodles evenly.
- Mix Milk and Seasonings: In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, and the beaten eggs. Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Thoroughly mix these seasonings into the milk and egg mixture to build the creamy sauce base.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese: Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni in the pot and stir to combine. Fold in 1½ cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Colby Jack, and ½ cup mozzarella cheese to the pasta mixture, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheeses (½ cup cheddar, ½ cup Colby Jack, ½ cup mozzarella, and sprinkle Parmesan as desired) over the macaroni layer. Add the remaining macaroni mixture on top, then cover with the rest of the cheeses and a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the cheese is fully melted.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and allow the mac and cheese to rest for 10 minutes to set and develop the best creamy texture before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture before baking.
- You can substitute different cheeses but keeping sharp cheddar is key for authentic Southern flavor.
- Use smoked paprika sparingly to add a subtle depth of smoky flavor and color.
- If you prefer a crustier top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with Southern staples like fried chicken or collard greens.
