If you have ever craved that comforting, indulgent dish filled with creamy, cheesy goodness and a golden crust, then this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a velvety blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, enriched with cream, butter, and just the right spices. It’s the ultimate soul food side or main dish that brings people together around the table, offering that rich, familiar warmth we all love in southern cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create a luxurious texture and deep, savory flavor. Each one plays a crucial role in building the creamy, cheesy sauce and perfect baked crust that defines this dish.
- 1 lb elbow macaroni: The classic pasta that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly with its tubular shape.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds that essential tangy, sharp flavor and rich color.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings smooth, stretchy meltiness to the cheese blend.
- 1 cup whole milk: Helps create the creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Ensures extra richness and silky texture in the cheese sauce.
- 1/4 cup butter: Provides depth and creaminess to the sauce while helping the flavors meld.
- 2 eggs, beaten: Adds a custardy structure that makes the baked macaroni sturdy yet tender.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle, savory warmth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder: A secret ingredient that enhances the cheeses’ sharpness and overall flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Balances and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds a lovely contrast in texture.
How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready once your macaroni is mixed with the cheese sauce. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking and to help the crust brown evenly. Next, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s tender but still a little firm to the bite, then drain well and set it aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s warm and bubbling gently. Slowly stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer, which is crucial for developing that rich base. While the cream mixture heats, whisk in the garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to infuse the sauce with deep, comforting flavors.
Step 3: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the sauce from the heat and immediately stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt smoothly into the creamy mixture. This step is essential in achieving the perfect cheese sauce that’s both thick and luscious without being grainy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs well, then quickly mix them into the warm cheese sauce. This addition will give the sauce a rich custardy texture when baked, helping everything set perfectly without turning rubbery.
Step 5: Combine and Bake
Pour the cooked macaroni into the bowl with the cheese sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Transfer the cheesy mixture into your prepared baking dish and, if you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the surface. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. The aroma will be irresistible!
How to Serve Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe
Garnishes
To amp up the presentation and add a touch of freshness, consider sprinkling chopped fresh parsley, chives, or even some crispy fried onions on top just before serving. These not only brighten the dish visually but also provide a delightful contrast to the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe pairs beautifully with classic soul food sides like collard greens, candied yams, fried chicken, or smoked turkey wings. The creamy, cheesy pasta complements these robust flavors and textures, creating a balanced and hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings or potlucks, serve the baked macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for an appealing, personal touch. You can also spice things up by adding mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced jalapenos, or sautéed onions to the macaroni before baking to tailor it to your tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. This makes it perfect for preparing ahead of time or enjoying the next day without losing any of its comforting qualities.
Freezing
You can freeze this macaroni and cheese either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When frozen after baking, portion it out into freezer-safe containers and reheat only what you need. Freezing preserves the creamy texture when done properly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating in the oven helps restore creaminess. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results and then bake to refresh that golden crust.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic for texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or smoked cheddar for a unique twist. Just keep a balance between meltiness and flavor strength.
Is it okay to skip the breadcrumbs topping?
Yes, the breadcrumbs are optional and mainly add a crunchy contrast. If you prefer a softer top or are avoiding gluten, simply leave them out. The dish will still be creamy and flavorful.
What can I add to make this recipe spicier?
To give your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe a little kick, try mixing in diced jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the cheese sauce before baking. It adds a lovely heat that complements the creamy cheese.
Can I use low-fat milk or cream?
For best results, whole milk and heavy cream create the richest sauce. Using low-fat versions may result in a thinner texture and less creaminess, but it will still work if you want a lighter dish.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Making sure not to overheat the cheese and stirring it in off the heat helps keep the sauce smooth. Also, using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded, which often has additives, contributes to a creamier texture.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe is truly a soul-warming classic everyone should experience. From the creamy sauce to the golden crust, it’s a dish that invites comfort and celebration all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with your loved ones, and make it a staple in your soul food repertoire.
Print
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern Soul Food
Description
This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring elbow macaroni baked to golden perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. A perfect soul food classic that combines sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, enriched with whole milk and heavy cream, and infused with garlic and mustard powders for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: 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, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make cheese sauce base: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the whole milk and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Season the sauce: Whisk in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to evenly flavor the sauce.
- Add cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Incorporate eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix them into the cheese sauce to create a rich, creamy texture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce thoroughly, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add topping and bake: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese, then bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Using sharp cheddar cheese gives the dish a robust flavor, but feel free to adjust cheese types according to your preference.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy texture.
- For a richer sauce, ensure eggs are fully incorporated but avoid scrambling by mixing off the heat.
- Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
- You can prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
