Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Alright y’all, if there’s one dish that knows how to bring the comfort—it’s this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. We’re talking ultra-creamy, ultra-cheesy, baked-until-golden perfection. The kind of mac that shows up at every Sunday supper, holiday spread, or potluck and disappears before you can say “pass the hot sauce.” It’s got layers of gooey, melty cheese, tender macaroni, and that golden-baked crust that’s basically the crown jewel of Southern cooking. Trust me, this isn’t your average mac—this one’s the real deal.

Why You’ll Love Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Ultra-Cheesy Goodness: This isn’t just cheese on pasta—it’s cheese baked into every single bite. Creamy on the inside, crispy on top. Absolute heaven.

Soul Food Comfort: This dish wraps you up in a warm culinary hug. It’s nostalgic, rich, and downright satisfying.

Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, a backyard BBQ, or just a Tuesday night when you need a little love, this mac and cheese shows up and shows out.

Crowd-Pleasing Favorite: Everyone from picky kids to seasoned foodies will dive in for seconds (or thirds). It’s always the first empty dish at any gathering.

Customizable: Add a little kick with cayenne, stir in some crispy bacon, or top it with crushed crackers for extra crunch. It’s your mac—make it yours.

Ingredients in Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni

Classic, tender, and the perfect little pasta pockets to hold onto that cheesy goodness.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese

The bold, tangy flavor that gives this dish its signature Southern kick. Use freshly shredded if you can for the best melt.

Colby Jack Cheese

Creamy and melty—adds richness and a lovely stretch factor to the mix.

Cream Cheese

This secret weapon makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth. It melts into the mix like butter.

Whole Milk

Rich and full-bodied, it creates the base for that luscious cheese sauce. You can sub in evaporated milk if you want it extra rich.

Eggs

They help set the mac and cheese as it bakes, giving it that firm, sliceable Southern-style texture.

Butter

Because every great Southern dish starts with butter. It adds flavor and makes everything taste better.

Seasonings

Think garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and maybe a little cayenne for heat. Season it like you mean it.

Optional: Sour Cream or Heavy Cream

Adds even more creaminess if you’re going all-in on indulgence. Totally optional—but highly encouraged.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is easy.

Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente (it’ll finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk, cream cheese, and shredded cheeses (save some cheddar for topping). Stir until everything melts together into a smooth, silky sauce. Season generously.

Add the Eggs

Remove the pan from heat and let it cool slightly. Whisk the eggs in a small bowl, then slowly stir them into the cheese sauce to avoid scrambling. This helps bind everything when baked.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated. It should be rich, creamy, and irresistible at this point.

Assemble the Dish

Pour everything into your prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved cheese and a light sprinkle of paprika for color.

Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy

Dish it up warm and watch it disappear. It’s comfort food at its absolute best.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8–10
Calories per serving: ~450–550 (depending on cheese and cream used)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour

How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

As a Side Dish: Serve it up next to BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or a juicy meatloaf—it plays well with all the Southern classics.

With Greens: Collard greens, sautéed spinach, or green beans with bacon are perfect partners for this rich dish.

On Its Own: Add a fresh salad or some roasted veggies and call it dinner. It’s hearty enough to stand solo.

For the Holidays: This mac needs a spot on your Thanksgiving or Christmas table. It’s a fan favorite every single year.

With Hot Sauce: For a spicy kick, serve it with a few dashes of hot sauce or a side of pickled jalapeños.

Additional Tips

Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that mess with the melt. Fresh is always best.

Let It Rest: Giving it a few minutes to sit after baking helps it firm up, so you get clean, glorious slices.

Make It Ahead: You can assemble this ahead of time and bake just before serving. Or bake, cool, and reheat gently the next day.

Add a Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers, panko, or even bacon crumbles can be sprinkled on top before baking for extra texture.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep it a little firm since it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Nobody wants mushy mac!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of cheese?
A1: Absolutely! Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan for added depth.

Q2: Can I make this without eggs?
A2: Yes! If you prefer a creamier, looser mac and cheese, skip the eggs and add a little extra milk or cream.

Q3: How do I keep it from drying out?
A3: Don’t overbake it, and make sure your sauce is rich and creamy before baking. You can also cover it with foil for the first 20 minutes.

Q4: Can I make it gluten-free?
A4: Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta and check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts with a splash of milk.

Q6: Can I freeze it?
A6: Yes, baked mac and cheese freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Q7: What kind of milk works best?
A7: Whole milk or evaporated milk works best for richness, but you can use 2% in a pinch.

Q8: Can I add meat?
A8: Yes! Cooked bacon, ham, or crumbled sausage take this mac to the next level.

Q9: What if I want it extra creamy?
A9: Add a scoop of sour cream or an extra splash of heavy cream to the sauce before baking.

Q10: Why use both Colby Jack and cheddar?
A10: Cheddar brings the bite, Colby Jack brings the melt. Together, they’re a dream team for mac and cheese.

Conclusion

This Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is everything you want in a comfort food classic—cheesy, creamy, soul-warming, and unapologetically indulgent. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something special, this mac has your back. Bake it once, and you’ll see why it’s the dish that everyone asks for again and again. Grab your cheese grater—let’s make magic!

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