Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy and Irresistible Recipe

When Grandma made Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you could smell it all the way down the driveway. That buttery-crisp crust, the gooey middle pure Sunday happiness. It’s trending online now (hey there, TikTok and Pinterest), and trust me, it’s the ultimate easy comfort food recipe. No fancy gadgets just real cheese, melted love, and only 15 minutes to prep.

This version is creamy, golden, and full of soul featuring sharp cheddar, creamy milk, and elbow macaroni in the starring roles. Everything’s pantry-friendly. Like your favorite church cookbook classic, but silkier and more satisfying. All the drool-worthy details are below!

I grew up on sturdy casseroles and cast iron magic. Baked mac was more than food; it was a memory. We tested this recipe endlessly to keep it true to its roots zero shortcuts on flavor and absolutely no powdered cheese mixes. It’s old-school comfort with a secret twist I picked up at the local farmers’ market. You’re going to love my trick for extra creaminess!

Why You’ll Love This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

• Comfort food perfected: Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with that irresistible breadcrumb crunch on top. It’s soul-soothing and nostalgic with every bite.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s Sunday dinner, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this dish is designed to please a crowd.
• Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients with no fancy techniquesjust melt, mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Customizable: You can tweak the recipe with different cheeses or seasoning to make it your own.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s talk about what makes this recipe a keeper. Chances are, your pantry already holds most of these:

Pro Tip: For the smoothest melt, always grate your cheese freshpre-shredded versions can include anti-caking agents that affect texture.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This dish comes together in a flash, making it fabulous for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. Here’s how:

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Drain but don’t rinseresidual starch helps the cheese sauce cling better.
2. Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
3. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk. Stir constantly and let the mixture gently simmer and thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Melt the cheese: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste, stirring until smooth.
5. Combine: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until every piece is coated in creamy goodness.
6. Assemble: Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toss with ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Bake: Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbling and golden. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutesjust watch closely to avoid burning.

Common Swaps and Tweaks

Missing an ingredient? No problem. This cozy casserole is flexible and forgivingfeel free to improvise!

Note: Want it extra cheesy? Stir an additional 1 cup of shredded cheese directly into the sauce.

Serving and Storage Tips

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese yields about 6 hearty servings. Here’s how to store and enjoy leftovers:

• Serving: Pairs beautifully with collard greens, roasted veggies, or holiday favorites like glazed ham or turkey.
• Storage: Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For freezing, store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Pro Tip: Avoid topping with breadcrumbs before freezingthey can get soggy. Add them just before baking instead.

Expert Insight: The Appeal of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern baked mac and cheese stands out for its creamy texture and indulgent cheesy crust, achieved by oven baking rather than stovetop prep. The bake allows flavors to develop deeply, creating a contrast between the bubbling center and the toasted golden topping that defines true comfort food.

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Crafting the Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This Southern baked mac and cheese recipe wasn’t born overnightI tested batch after batch, playing with cheese combos and oven times. After countless gooey trials, this version hit every note: hearty, creamy, nostalgic, and share-worthy at every family gathering.

FAQs ( Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers )

Conclusion

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese brings rich, cozy comfort straight to your kitchen with just 15 minutes of prep. Creamy, comforting, and baked until bubbling and crisp on top, it’s a beloved classic for good reason.

Want to personalize it? Swap sharp cheddar with Colby, sprinkle smoked paprika on top, or mix in caramelized onions or crispy bacon. Leftovers reheat with easejust refresh the breadcrumb topping before baking.

Try it for your next gathering, and don’t forget to share your own spin. Maybe it reminds you of Grandma’s Sunday spread or potlucks growing up. Great food is meant to be sharedso pass it on, and savor the nostalgia around the table.

Yesica Andrews

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Easy and Irresistible Recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping. This Homemade Mac And Cheese Recipe Baked is perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. An easy cheese recipe and Mac And Cheese Casserole that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 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

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly golden and bubbly.
5. Gradually whisk in whole milk, continuing to stir until sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Remove sauce from heat and stir in garlic powder, salt, black pepper, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add cooked macaroni to cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.
8. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
9. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
10. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or a dash of smoked paprika. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat before serving.