That creamy crackle of cheese on top? Pure cozy. This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is blowing up on TikTok and everywhere else folks miss old-school flavor. It’s crispy-edged, gooey in the center, and so doablejust stir, layer, bake. Beginner-friendly, full-on satisfying.
This one’s a true bake-and-share beauty. We’re talking sharp cheddar, buttery roux, a splash of milk. Just soulful pantry basics, layered up to hug every noodle. It’s a little “Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked,” a little “Mac And Cheese Recipe Soul Food,” and a whole lot of grandma-level comfort. Full details in the blog!
I grew up hunting down blocks of cheese with my auntie at the corner market. She didn’t write recipesjust trusted her gut. I tested this twist till it smelled just like her Sunday kitchen. One pan, one bake. You’ll love the secret spice I slipped in.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
There’s something so magical about Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy, golden, and reminds you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s houserich in flavor and pure indulgence. Here’s why it stands out:
Cozy and Nostalgic: The perfect combo of gooey, cheesy center and that crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s a hug on a plate.
Beginner-Friendly: No fancy tricks! If you can whisk and assemble, you can nail this easily.
Customizable Comfort Food: Keep it classic or tweak the cheeses and spices to make it yours.
This recipe is more than classic comfortit’s soul food. It’s ideal for holidays, potlucks, or any night you’re craving a homemade mac and cheese recipe baked to perfection.
Ingredients and Simple Swaps
This dish is all about pantry and fridge basics working together in cheesy harmony! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Amount
Possible Swap
Elbow macaroni
8 oz
Small shells, penne, or another pasta
Unsalted butter
4 tbsp
Regular salted butter (reduce added salt)
All-purpose flour
4 tbsp
Gluten-free flour for a GF version
Whole milk
4 cups
2% milk, but avoid skim for full creaminess
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded
Colby, Gruyere, or any sharp cheese blend
Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded
Smooth mozzarella for extra stretch
Panko breadcrumbs
1 cup
Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Pro Tip: Using freshly shredded cheese (not pre-bagged) makes a HUGE difference in creating a smoother sauce!
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This baked mac and cheese recipe comes together in three easy parts: cooking the pasta, making a quick cheese sauce, and baking everything to golden perfection. Here’s your step-by-step:
Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni until just al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a golden roux (about 1 minute).
Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened (around 5 minutes).
Add shredded cheeses, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until fully melted and creamy.
Assemble and Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then spread into a greased 9×13” baking dish.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Pro Tip: If you like extra crunch, broil the dish for the last 1–2 minutes to toast the topping!
Troubleshooting and Tips
Sometimes, all it takes is a little tweak to make the best mac n cheese recipe even better. Here are a few common issues and easy fixes:
Problem
Solution
Sauce too thin
Let it simmer longer while stirring to thicken, or add 1 tsp of cornstarch slurry.
Cheese clumps
Ensure you’re using freshly shredded cheese, added gradually to the warm sauce.
Topping not crispy enough
Lightly spray breadcrumbs with oil before baking or broil briefly at the end.
Note: Don’t skip the roux step! It’s the backbone of that soulfully creamy sauce.
Serving and Storing Tips
This mac and cheese casserole is beyond versatile! Let it shine as the main event or a stellar side. Here’s how to serve and store it:
Serving: Perfect alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or even a simple green salad for balance. A true Southern Mac and Cheese vibe!
Leftovers: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes for the best results.
Storage Method
How Long?
Reheat Tips
Fridge (in airtight container)
Up to 4 days
Bake or microwave with a splash of milk to keep creamy.
Freezer (pre-baked, tightly wrapped)
1–2 months
Thaw overnight, then bake at 375°F until hot.
Pro Tip: If freezing, assemble and skip the breadcrumbs until baking day!
Expert Insight: The Science Behind Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Southern baked mac and cheese relies on a careful balance of cheeses and baking time to achieve that creamy yet golden crust texture. The slow baking allows the starches in the pasta to absorb the cheese sauce fully, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s a staple in Southern cuisine.
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How I Perfected My Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe came after many late nights testingfrom burnt edges to overly soupy cheese. Each attempt brought its own lesson, teaching me the right balance of creamy and tender with a golden crust. What I’m sharing now is the true result of that patient, tasty trial and error.
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.
Yesica Andrews
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy and Irresistible Recipe
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. This Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. An easy cheese recipe and Mac And Cheese Casserole that everyone will love.
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden and bubbly.
Gradually whisk in whole milk, continuing to stir until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove sauce from heat and stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or a dash of smoked paprika. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.
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