Name: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup evaporated milk; 2 large eggs; 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese; 4 tbsp butter, melted; ½ tsp salt (to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional)

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If you’re craving a dish that perfectly captures the heart and soul of Southern comfort food, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Picture elbow macaroni swimming in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack cheeses, baked to golden bubbly perfection with a crispy top that makes every bite irresistibly satisfying. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—ideal for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or whenever you need a warm, cheesy hug on your plate. Let me show you how simple ingredients and a little bit of love come together to create this unforgettable classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with yellow macaroni pasta sits at the front center of a white marbled surface. Behind it, to the right, there are two large yellow blocks resembling cheese. To the left are a few sticks of pale beige butter arranged in a small stack. A small white bowl containing white powder is placed slightly in front to the right of the macaroni bowl. Behind the macaroni and to the left is a glass jar filled with white milk. A white kitchen appliance with a dials sits in the back right corner on the white marbled surface. The lighting is bright and soft, making the colors look clear and natural. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the creamy texture, rich flavor, and perfect bake that make this dish stand out, so let’s dive into what you’ll need.

12 oz elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce and bakes up tender yet firm.
2 cups whole milk: Adds that creamy base for the cheese sauce while keeping it light enough to mix well.
1 cup evaporated milk: Intensifies the creaminess and adds a subtle richness without overwhelming the dish.
2 large eggs: Helps bind the mixture together, giving the casserole a silky and stable texture.
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor that brings the sharp, tangy punch every good mac and cheese needs.
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby Jack: Balances sharp cheddar with a smooth, mellow melt.
4 tbsp butter, melted: Adds indulgent richness and helps create a velvety sauce.
½ tsp salt (to taste): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
½ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that cuts through the richness.
½ tsp paprika or Cajun seasoning (optional): A dash for color and a little extra Southern flair.

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13 baking dish to prevent sticking. Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—that perfect tender bite that won’t turn mushy during baking. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare the luxurious cheese mixture.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, and black pepper into a smooth mixture. This blend acts as the foundation that holds everything together with silky richness. Next, stir in the melted butter and half of your shredded cheeses; this step ensures that cheesy goodness is woven right into every bite, not just as a topping.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture

Add the drained pasta to the milk and cheese mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat every elbow macaroni with that creamy cheesy sauce. This step is key to the Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe’s trademark rich texture, where pasta and cheese meld seamlessly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. If you want a little extra Southern kick and a gorgeous golden color, sprinkle on your paprika or Cajun seasoning. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the top gets bubbly and lightly browned—this is where the magic happens, turning this dish from everyday macaroni to a comforting holiday-worthy masterpiece.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the casserole set up nicely, allowing for cleaner, neater slices that are as pretty as they are delicious.

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

A white cast iron pan filled with a golden brown baked dish that has a bubbly, slightly crispy cheese layer on top. A woman's hand is lifting a spoonful from the pan, showing melted cheese stretching from the pan to the spoon. Below the cheese top, you can see a creamy, light orange filling. The pan is set on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of brown crumbs next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the mac and cheese is perfect on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions can add a vibrant hint of freshness and color contrast. For those who love a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits are fabulous toppings that add delightful texture and savory depth.

Side Dishes

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, or baked ham. For something lighter, a crisp garden salad or steamed vegetables offers a nice balance to the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your guests? Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for personal portions, or scoop it into small bread bowls for an extra-special touch. You can also experiment with layering in cooked sausage or caramelized onions for a hearty twist that remains true to the recipe’s Southern roots.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them into an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. It’s a great option for enjoying delicious comfort food the next day with minimal effort.

Freezing

If you want to make this ahead for a crowd or future meals, freeze the baked mac and cheese before baking. Cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed until it’s hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, around 20 minutes, to restore that freshly baked texture. Microwaving works for convenience but may make it less crispy on top. For the crispiest finish, pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack are classic choices, feel free to experiment with gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a unique flavor boost. Just be sure to use cheeses that melt well.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta variety. Make sure to double-check that any additional ingredients, like seasonings, are also gluten-free.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This traditional Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe relies heavily on dairy products, so converting it to vegan would require swapping cheeses for plant-based alternatives and using non-dairy milk, which will change the flavor and texture significantly.

How can I make the top extra crispy?

For a golden, crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese before baking. Also, broiling for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking really enhances that lovely crunch.

Can I add proteins like chicken or bacon to this dish?

Definitely! Adding cooked and diced chicken or crispy bacon can turn this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe into a heartier main meal while keeping all the creamy, cheesy goodness intact.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a well-made Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe that calls to your comfort food cravings and feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a big family or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is a slice of cheesy heaven that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—trust me, this dish is destined to become a beloved classic in your kitchen.