Dreamy Southern Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe for Comfort

Mac and cheese with a southern twist brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this creamy classic as a cherished side dish.

Generations of cooks have perfected their unique techniques for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Cheese blends create layers of rich, tangy flavor that melt seamlessly into tender pasta.

Crispy edges and a velvety interior make this recipe stand out from standard versions.

Grandmothers across the region guard their secret ingredients with pride and passion.

Why Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Impresses

Comfort Food Champion: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese delivers ultimate creamy satisfaction with rich, cheesy layers that hug your taste buds like a warm family embrace.

Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: This recipe requires basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels who want to create a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready – ideal for busy families seeking convenient yet delectable dinner solutions.

Celebration-Ready Dish: Perfectly suited for potlucks, holiday gatherings, and weekend family meals, this mac and cheese transforms ordinary dinners into memorable culinary experiences.

Ingredients Used in Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, works best when cooked al dente and not overcooked.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Rich and tangy cheese variety that melts smoothly, provides deep flavor and creamy texture, choose high-quality block cheese and shred fresh for best results.

• Whole Milk: Provides rich, creamy base for cheese sauce, full-fat version ensures maximum smoothness.
• Eggs: Help bind the macaroni and cheese, create a custard-like texture and prevent separation during baking.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for cheese sauce, unsalted butter recommended for better flavor control.
• Flour: Thickens cheese sauce and creates smooth consistency, all-purpose flour works best.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish, helps balance cheese's richness.

Southern Macaroni & Cheese Baked Right

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 400°F.

This perfect temperature will help create a golden, crispy top on your mac and cheese.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil the elbow macaroni until tender.

Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticky noodles.

Step 3: Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a large pot, melt butter over low-medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth base.

Slowly pour in milk, whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes velvety.

• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheese melts into a luxurious, silky sauce.

Step 4: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Take the pot off the heat.

Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated with creamy goodness.

Step 5: Add Egg Magic

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until well combined.

Gently stir the eggs into the mac and cheese, creating an extra rich and custardy texture.

Step 6: Layer With Cheesy Love

• First layer of mac and cheese
• Sprinkle of cheddar cheese
• Remaining mac and cheese
• Final cheese topping

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for 15-20 minutes until the top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 8: Test For Deliciousness

Insert a knife into the center.

If it comes out clean and the center looks set, your Southern mac and cheese is ready to devour.

Step 9: Serve And Enjoy

Dish out while warm.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for future comfort food cravings.

Creamy, Baked Mac and Cheese Success Tips

• Shred cheese from a block and avoid pre-shredded varieties to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without unwanted additives.
• Add milk gradually and whisk constantly to create a silky cheese sauce without lumps or uneven texture.
• Mix different sharp cheeses like cheddar and gruyere to elevate the traditional recipe with more complex taste profiles.
• Substitute whole milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free pasta for allergy-friendly adaptations.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the final cheese layer for an extra crunchy, golden-brown surface.

Reheat Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep sealed in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Transfer cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring it's tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of milk to prevent dryness and help maintain its creamy consistency.

What Tastes Great with Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, creamy cheese flavors and cut through the dish's heaviness.
• Create Crisp Salad Side: Prepare a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the mac and cheese's richness and provide fresh contrast.
• Match Zesty Protein: Serve alongside grilled chicken or smoked pulled pork to add protein and introduce a complementary smoky flavor profile that enhances the cheesy comfort food.
• Select Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that can stand up to the strong cheddar cheese and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy texture.

Baked Mac and Cheese Bold Twists

• Gluten-Free Macaroni Magic: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free elbow pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Swap half the cheese with protein-rich cottage cheese and add diced chicken or turkey for extra nutrition.
• Veggie-Loaded Comfort: Mix in roasted cauliflower, spinach, or broccoli to boost vegetable content and create a more balanced dish.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Use cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower instead of traditional macaroni to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining creamy texture.

FAQs

• Why do I need to add eggs to this mac and cheese recipe?

The eggs help bind the ingredients together, create a richer texture, and prevent the dish from becoming too dry or crumbly, giving the macaroni and cheese a more custard-like consistency.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While sharp cheddar works best for authentic Southern-style mac and cheese, you can substitute part of the cheddar with other melting cheeses like Gruyère, monterey jack, or colby for different flavor profiles.

• What makes this Southern-style mac and cheese different from other versions?

Southern-style mac and cheese is typically richer, more custardy, and baked until it sets firmly, unlike stovetop versions that are saucier and looser in texture.

• How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy or separating?

Always use low heat when making the cheese sauce, add cheese gradually, and stir constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without curdling or breaking.

Southern Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, Southern-style Baked Macaroni and Cheese delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending rich cheddar and velvety texture. Comfort seekers will savor each cheesy, golden-crusted bite of this classic Southern delicacy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Main Ingredients:

• 6 eggs
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base:

• 4 cups dry elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 400°F, preparing for a cheesy culinary adventure.
2. Transform macaroni into perfectly tender strands by following package cooking instructions, then halt the cooking process with a quick cold water rinse.
3. Craft a velvety cheese sauce by gently melting butter in a large pot, whisking in flour to create a smooth roux. Allow the mixture to simmer and develop depth for approximately three minutes. Gradually introduce whole milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy.
4. Fold sharp cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until each strand melts into a uniform, glossy consistency. Incorporate the drained macaroni, ensuring every noodle is lavishly coated with the rich cheese mixture.
5. Create a silky binding by whisking eggs with salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold the egg mixture into the macaroni, creating a custardy texture that will elevate the dish.
6. Assemble the casserole in layers, spreading half the macaroni mixture into a 13×9-inch baking dish. Generously sprinkle shredded cheddar across the first layer, then top with remaining macaroni and a final abundant cheese layer.
7. Shield the dish with aluminum foil and bake for thirty minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Uncover and continue baking until the top transforms into a golden, crispy landscape with bubbling edges.
8. Verify doneness by inserting a knife into the center. The blade should emerge clean, with no runny liquid, indicating the macaroni is perfectly cooked through.
9. Serve immediately while piping hot, capturing the dish at its most decadent moment. Store any remaining portions in a sealed container, ready for future enjoyment.

Notes

• Choose sharp cheddar for deeper, more intense cheese flavor that elevates the entire dish’s richness.
• Allow eggs to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother, more even incorporation into the cheese sauce.
• Use whole milk for maximum creaminess and avoid low-fat alternatives that can make the sauce watery.
• Grate cheese directly from block for better melting and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded cheese.
• Prevent sauce from breaking by maintaining low, consistent heat while whisking milk and cheese.
• Pat macaroni dry after rinsing to help cheese sauce adhere better and prevent excess water.
• Cover with foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent excessive browning.
• Let casserole rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 407
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 458 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 139 mg