Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Category: Side-dishes
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Experience classic comfort with this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese—creamy, ultra-cheesy macaroni baked with a rich custard base, crunchy topping, and layers of savory flavor. Perfectly crowd-pleasing, this dish brings soulful, homestyle warmth to every gathering.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

  • 16 oz (about 4 cups) elbow macaroni

Creamy Cheese Sauce

  • 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Custard

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup evaporated milk

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven and Prep Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain, then gently rinse with cool water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce – In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until just golden and bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until slightly thickened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in 3 cups of cheddar and all the Colby Jack, stirring until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, cayenne if using, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Prepare the Custard – In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and evaporated milk until fully combined.
  5. Combine Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Custard – Spoon the drained macaroni into a large bowl. Pour over the cheese sauce, followed by the egg custard mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated and combined.
  6. Layer and Assemble – Pour half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup of reserved cheddar. Add the remaining macaroni on top, then sprinkle with the rest of the cheddar and breadcrumbs if using.
  7. Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is golden brown. If you like an extra-crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Rest and Serve – Let the baked mac and cheese rest for 10–15 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy the ultimate Southern comfort food warm!

Notes

  • Grate your own cheese for best melt and texture—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents.
  • The custard (egg and evaporated milk) creates that classic, creamy Southern texture.
  • Add a touch of hot sauce or more cayenne for a spicy kick.
  • Panko topping is optional but adds delicious crunch.
  • This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg

Find it online: https://newsvks.com/southern-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/