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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy and Irresistible Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about walking into a kitchen where Southern baked mac and cheese is bubbling away in the oven. That crispy, golden top. The mouthwatering aroma of melted cheese, butter, and cream filling the air. This soul food classic has brought families together around dinner tables for generationsand for good reason. It’s easy to prepare, requires about an hour from start to finish, and serves up a cheesy, satisfying hug in every bite.

This isn’t your average boxed mac situation we’re talking about a lusciously creamy homemade mac and cheese made with real ingredients like sharp cheddar and a touch of cream cheese, poured over tender pasta that actually holds onto all that decadent goodness. It’s the kind of dish that turns any weeknight into something special with pantry staples you probably already have. Full step-by-step breakdowns in the blog for zero guesswork!

My grandmother always swore the real secret was patience layering and gently melting each cheese for maximum creaminess. I’ve tested this recipe more than 50 times (with no complaints) and found one key trick that changes everything: letting the sauce rest slightly before stirring in your cheese. You’ll see why once you pull that first bubbling, golden pan from the oven.

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Recipe

This Southern baked mac and cheese checks every box it’s creamy and indulgent, but balanced enough that you’ll want seconds (and let’s be honest, probably thirds). The combination of sharp cheddar and mellow Monterey Jack creates that classic cheese-pull texture and a perfectly tangy-meets-creamy taste.

Best of all, it’s a forgiving recipe. If your roux is slightly lumpy or you toss the cheese in too quickly, it still turns out beautifully after baking. And that crunchy golden panko topping? Pure magic in every bite. With a bit of planning, it becomes a dish you can throw together almost any night of the week.

  • Family-friendly: Even picky eaters come back for more
  • Make-ahead magic: Prep it in the morning, bake it at dinnertime
  • Feeds a crowd: Great for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday suppers

Your Essential Ingredients and Tools

The magic of this homemade mac and cheese recipe baked to perfection lies in its accessible ingredients and simple tools. You’re working with basic pantry staples and two flavorful cheeses. I always keep these on standbyyou never know when the craving will hit!

Ingredients for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese laid out: cheddar, Monterey Jack, pasta, milk, and panko breadcrumbs

Here’s what you need tool-wise: a large pot for pasta, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, and a 9×13-inch baking dish. A sturdy whisk ensures a silky sauce, while a wooden spoon folds it all together without breaking your noodles. If you’ve got a good cheese grater, even better!

IngredientWhy It MattersQuick Tip
Sharp CheddarGives dish its bold, classic mac and cheese flavorShred it yourself for the smoothest melt
Monterey JackAdds creamy richness without overpowering tangGreat melter, balances sharp cheddar
Whole MilkForms the creamy base of the sauceStick with whole milk for richness
Panko BreadcrumbsDelivers that signature crunchy baked topToss with melted butter for extra crispness

How This Mac and Cheese Magic Happens

The secret to perfect Southern baked mac and cheese starts with a classic roux, made by cooking butter and flour until it smells slightly nutty. This thickens the sauce and keeps it smooth and stable during bakingno clumpy cheese allowed.

After whisking in the milk and cooking to a creamy consistency, you’ll stir in cheese off the heat to prevent separation. Then toss all that cheesy deliciousness with slightly undercooked elbow macaroni and bake it until bubbly and golden.

  • Cook pasta just shy of al dente so it doesn’t overcook while baking
  • Cool sauce slightly before adding cheesereduces clumping
  • Season generously garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne can boost flavor big time
StepTimeWhat to Watch For
Cook Macaroni8–10 minutesAl dente texture with a firm bite
Make Roux2–3 minutesPale golden color, slight nutty aroma
Add Milk5–7 minutesSmooth, creamy consistency that coats the spoon
Melt Cheese2–3 minutesVelvety texture with no lumps
Bake25–30 minutesBubbling edges, golden-brown topping

When Things Don’t Go According to Plan

No matter how seasoned you are in the kitchen, mac and cheese occasionally throws a curveball. But don’t worrymost common problems have easy fixes, and there’s almost always a way to save the batch!

For example, if your sauce turns lumpy after adding cheese, whisk it quickly or use a hand blender in short pulses. A splash of extra milk can also loosen thick sauce without compromising flavor or texture.

  • Sauce too thick? Whisk in warm milk a tablespoon at a time
  • Cheese turning grainy? Cool it down and stir gentlyhigh heat = separation
  • Topping browning too quickly? Tent with aluminum foil during final baking
  • Texture too dry? Fold in an extra tablespoon of butter or cream before baking

Making It Your Own

This dish is endlessly customizable. Want a smoky boost? Add paprika or crumbled bacon. If you’re looking to mix up the topping, crushed Ritz crackers tossed in melted butter work just as welland offer extra richness.

If you’re short on Monterey Jack, try Gouda, Colby, or even pepper jack for a little kick. Choose pasta shapes with curves and ridges (like shells or cavatappi) to catch more of the cheesy sauce. Adapt it to whatever’s in your fridge while sticking to the core technique.

Swap ThisFor ThisResult
Monterey JackGruyère or SwissBold, nutty flavor depth
Panko breadcrumbsCrushed crackersRich, buttery crunch
Elbow macaroniShells or cavatappiMore surface area for sauce
Whole milkHalf-and-halfUltra creamy and decadent

Serving and Storing Like a Pro

Serve your mac piping hot, ideally with simple sides like roasted green beans, sautéed collards, or a tangy tomato salad to cut through the richness. For special occasions, pair it with ribs, fried chicken, or briskettrue Southern soul food heaven.

To store, let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It refrigerates well for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in the oven with a splash of milk mixed in, or warm smaller portions in the microwave on 50% power with a spoonful of liquid for moisture.

Storage MethodDurationReheating Tips
RefrigeratorUp to 4 daysAdd milk before reheating; re-crisp under broiler
Freezer (unbaked)Up to 3 monthsThaw overnight, bake with extra time added
Microwave (portions)Eat immediatelyUse 50% power, stirring halfway through
Plated Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with golden panko topping and gooey cheese layers

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Always Delivers

This Southern baked mac and cheese delivers consistent, rich flavor with minimal fussan hour of mostly hands-off cooking rewards you with scalloped layers of cheesy deliciousness and an irresistible crispy top. The cheddar and Monterey Jack blend seamlessly for that perfect creamy yet tangy combo, all baked to peak comfort food perfection.

For extra flair, mix in cream cheese for added richness, or crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling indulgent. This mac and cheese casserole stores beautifully for meal prepjust add a splash of milk before reheating, and finish under the broiler for crunch. That broiler trick? I picked it up from my neighbor, who’s been keeping soul food alive in our kitchen block for decades. Works every time.

I’d love to see your spintag your creations on social! Did your family grow up on traditional Southern-style mac, or is this your first go at a baked mac and cheese recipe? Either way, it’s one dish guaranteed to earn its spot at the table. Share it with someone who could use a taste of comfort today.

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SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

SOUTHERN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE centered hero view, clean and uncluttered

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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. This Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Easy Cheese Recipes like this Mac And Cheese Casserole deliver rich flavors everyone will love.

  • Author: Eleanor Royal
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Southern

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden, whisking constantly.
  3. Gradually add whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and melted.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, then pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
  6. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Let cool slightly before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce
  • Use a mix of cheeses for a richer taste

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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