If you have ever tasted a truly soul-satisfying bowl of mac and cheese, you know it can feel like a warm hug from the inside out. The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden, bubbly crust that’s downright irresistible. This dish takes classic comfort food to a new level with its blend of sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, nutty Parmesan, and mild Colby Jack cheeses, all perfectly bound in a luscious milk and cream sauce. With every bite, this mac and cheese offers that perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and slightly crunchy, making it a show-stopping side or even a main event for your next dinner.

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor, creaminess, and texture. From elbow macaroni providing the perfect pasta base to a blend of cheeses crafting the ultimate melt, these essentials come together beautifully.

1 lb elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto the sauce perfectly with its sturdy curves.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create the flavorful roux for the sauce.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the milk and cream into a creamy cheese sauce.
3 cups whole milk: Provides the silky base for the sauce with a smooth mouthfeel.
1 cup heavy cream: Elevates the creaminess to decadently rich levels.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded: Brings that classic sharp tang and vibrant cheddar flavor.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Gives gooey stretchiness and mild creaminess.
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded: Adds a buttery, mellow richness with a bit of color.
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Provides a nutty, savory punch to deepen the flavor.
2 large eggs: Helps bind the sauce and pasta for that sturdy, luscious texture.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors throughout.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and contrasts the rich cheese taste.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle, aromatic depth to the dish.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory flavor with a hint of sweetness.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping): Adds color and a mild smoky warmth to complete the flavor profile.

How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish, so your mac and cheese doesn’t stick. Cook the elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente—tender but with a little bite—then drain it well. This step ensures pasta holds its shape and texture when baked.

Step 2: Create the Roux

In a large saucepan, melt half a cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisking constantly, stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking it for 1 to 2 minutes. This step is key because it eliminates any raw flour taste and creates the base for that luxuriously thick cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, keeping the mixture smooth and silky. Continue stirring over medium heat until the sauce slightly thickens, around 5 minutes. This creamy foundation will carry your cheeses and bind everything beautifully.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses

Remove the sauce from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Colby Jack, and all the Parmesan cheese. Mixing these melted cheeses in now ensures a rich fusion of flavors and the perfect stretchy-yet-creamy texture we all crave.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Seasonings

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs gently, then slowly whisk them into the warm cheese sauce. This helps prevent scrambling and creates a velvet consistency once baked. Next, add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, stirring everything thoroughly to create a perfectly seasoned sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Then Bake

Toss the cooked elbow macaroni with your cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. On top, sprinkle the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, then dust with a little extra paprika for a sunny, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden brown. Once out of the oven, let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 to 10 minutes—this step allows it to set perfectly, giving you that perfect scoopable texture.

How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Though this recipe shines all on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of bright color and fresh flavor that balances the rich cheesiness wonderfully. A dash more paprika on top provides an inviting smoky aroma and appealing look that will make your guests’ mouths water before the first bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like collard greens, fried green tomatoes, or smoky barbecue meats. Lighter accompaniments such as a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables offer refreshing contrast to the creamy mac and cheese for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, consider serving in individual ramekins for personal elegance, or turn it into a fantastic potluck dish by baking it in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm. You can even mix in cooked bacon, jalapeños, or caramelized onions before baking to add exciting twists that make this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe truly your own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mac and cheese can be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

If you want to keep it longer, this mac and cheese freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the mac and cheese with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes depending on portion size. For faster reheating, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and preserve that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is traditional and holds the sauce wonderfully, but you can also try shells, cavatappi, or penne for a fun twist. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy after baking.

Is whole milk and heavy cream necessary?

Using a combination of whole milk and heavy cream creates the rich, creamy sauce that makes this recipe stand out. You can substitute milk alternatives, but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as decadent as the original recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it contains no meat or meat-based broth. Just double-check that your cheeses are made with vegetarian rennet if that is important to you.

How can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Be sure to verify that all your other ingredients are gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What makes this the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

It’s the perfect balance of four cheeses, creamy sauce enriched with eggs, and subtle seasonings baked to a golden crust. These layers of flavor and texture come together to create an endlessly comforting and unforgettable dish that truly earns its title.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the way this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe brings people together around the table. It’s creamy yet crusty, rich but balanced, and packed with so much love in every bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or craving a cozy night in, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Don’t wait to try it – your taste buds will thank you!

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 79 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy casserole that perfectly balances sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Baked to golden perfection with a hint of paprika on top, it makes a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish or main course perfect for family dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 large eggs

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the mac and cheese doesn’t stick while baking.
Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni following the package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside.
Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will thicken the cheese sauce.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Add Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheddar, 1/2 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Colby Jack, and all the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Incorporate Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly, then slowly add them into the cheese sauce while stirring constantly to prevent curdling or scrambling.
Season Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to the cheese sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce, then pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Add Topping: Top the pasta with the remaining cheddar, mozzarella, and Colby Jack cheeses, then sprinkle a little extra paprika on top for color and a mild smoky flavor.
Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes post baking to allow the sauce to set, resulting in a better texture before serving.

Notes

Make sure not to overcook the macaroni; al dente ensures the pasta retains its texture after baking.
Whisk the eggs into the sauce slowly off the heat to prevent scrambling.
You can substitute any of the cheeses based on availability, but a mix of sharp and mild cheeses provides balance.
For a crispier topping, you can add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese sauce thicken for easier serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American