Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Classic

The smell hits firstsharp cheddar melting into buttered noodles, crust sizzling in the oven. This Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese takes you straight back to Sunday dinners at Grandma’s, when the casserole dish hit the table piping hot and bubbling. It’s comfort, it’s tradition, and it’s making a big comeback for good reason.

Loaded with real sharp cheese, elbow macaroni, and a rich milk-and-egg base, this classic delivers that craveable baked edge and creamy middle. It’s thick, not drippy. Cheesy, but not greasy. Like no-fuss Southern mac and cheese that tastes like it took much longer than it did. Simple pantry ingredients, no roux, no flour. Just that signature, golden top layer with all the crispy corners earned in the oven.

I started remaking this version during Thanksgiving 2017, after a family friend dropped off a foil-covered tray that stole the entire meal. The crust had these perfectly browned cheese bubbles, and my uncle actually asked if I could “make it like that next year.” That’s when I realized the trickwhisk the eggs into warm milk and pour it hot over the noodles. Fuses everything together. I’ve photographed dozens of casseroles over the years, but this one always looks and tastes like home.

Thomas Baker

Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

This Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese loaded with melty Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Perfect for any family gathering or holiday, this soul food baked mac and cheese has a comforting, cheesy flavor that everyone will love. Experience the delicious tradition of Classic Southern Mac and Cheese with this easy-to-make recipe.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 16 ounces macaroni noodles
• 2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup half n half
• 1 stick unsalted butter melted
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 24 ounces Colby Jack or Monterrey Jack cheese shredded
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Method

 

1. Set your oven to preheat at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the macaroni noodles following the package instructions until just firm to the bite, then drain and keep aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the melted butter, stirring until well coated.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, half and half, and sour cream, then season with seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, stirring everything together thoroughly.
5. Mix in the beaten eggs along with 16 ounces of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese, blending well.
6. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and thoroughly fold it into the pasta mixture.
7. Prepare a baking dish by greasing it with butter or by spraying it with non-stick spray, then transfer the macaroni mixture into the dish evenly.
8. Top the macaroni with the remaining 8 ounces of shredded Monterey Jack cheese, spreading it across the surface.
9. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the mac and cheese is bubbling and the top has turned golden brown.
10. Take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and develop flavor.

Notes

• For best results, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded to ensure better melting and creaminess. Letting the dish rest after baking helps the flavors meld together and improves texture.

Why This Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese Is a Classic

If you’ve ever craved that time-tested, golden-topped mac and cheese that takes center stage at Sunday dinners, this recipe is it. Here’s why you’ll fall in love:

• Rich and cheesy texture: With layers of Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar, every bite is loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness.
• No fancy techniques: No roux needed herejust real, simple ingredients that meld perfectly together.
• That baked crust: The bubbly, golden top layer gives this dish its signature soul food appeal. It’s the part everyone fights over!
• Comfort + nostalgia: Whether it’s for holiday gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish brings warmth and memories to the table.

Key Ingredients for Perfect Results

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and a few standout ingredients that make the magic happen. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Macaroni noodles: The classic base, cooked just al dente to hold up during baking.
• Cheeses: Colby Jack (or Monterey Jack) for meltability and sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
• Heavy cream and half and half: These create the luscious, creamy base for the dish.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and depth to balance the richness.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, and black pepper bring that soul food flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and creating that custard-like texture.

Note: Don’t substitute reduced-fat versions of the dairy ingredients, as they may affect the creaminess and texture of the dish.

Step-By-Step: Making Your Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese

Even if you’re new to baked mac and cheese, these steps are easy to follow and set you up for success:

1. Cook your macaroni: Follow the package instructions, but stop when they’re al dente (firm to the bite). This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy when baked.
2. Prep your flavors: In a large bowl, mix the macaroni with melted butter first to coat the noodles. Then stir in the cream, half and half, seasonings, and sour cream.
3. Add the eggs and cheese: Beat the eggs and mix them into the bowl. Then fold in 16 ounces of Monterey Jack and all the sharp cheddar.
4. Assemble and top: Grease your baking dish, pour in the macaroni mixture, and spread evenly. Top with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese for that iconic crust.
5. Bake to perfection: Bake at 375°F for 35–40 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown.
6. Let it rest: This step is key! Let the dish sit for 5–10 minutes to set before serving.

Pro Tip: For extra browned cheese edges, switch your oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!

Step Summary Table

Tips for Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (covered with foil) for about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, the microwave worksjust sprinkle a little extra cheese on top and heat in 30-second intervals.

Pro Tip: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.

Expert Says

Combining multiple cheeses in an old fashioned soul food baked mac and cheese enhances both flavor and texture due to varying fat and moisture levels. Baking allows the sauce to thicken through gentle evaporation, creating a creamy yet structured dish with a satisfying golden crust. This balance is key for authentic comfort food.

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Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese

After several rounds of tweaking and tasting, this Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese finally hit the mark. Early batches were either too dry or overly saucy, but through patience and a few burnt edges, I found the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy comfort that warms the heart every time.

FAQs ( Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese )

Conclusion

After about 40 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a bubbling, golden Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese that fills your kitchen with that irresistible, cheesy aroma. You’ll love how the crispy edges contrast with the creamy, tender middlepure comfort in every bite.

Feel free to mix in a little smoked paprika or swap Monterey Jack for pepper jack if you’re craving a subtle kick. Leftovers reheat beautifullycover and warm slowly to keep it creamy, a neat trick my aunt swears by. Serving it alongside greens or a simple salad makes this cozy meal a crowd-pleaser any night.

Do you have a beloved baked mac recipe your family adores? I’d love to hear your stories or see your spicy twistsshare your photos and memories! Save this recipe for your next gathering, and watch it become a new family favorite, just like it feels like home.