Name: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 4 cups uncooked pasta; 6 Tablespoons butter; 6 Tablespoons flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream; 4 cups shredded cheese (blend of two cheeses); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon white pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika

Jump to Recipe

If you’re in search of a truly crowd-pleasing comfort dish, look no further than Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This recipe delivers the golden, bubbly, and rich casserole everyone dreams about, loaded with creamy cheese, tender elbow macaroni, and just the right sprinkle of spice. Whether you’re treating yourself to a weeknight celebration or bringing a showstopper to your next potluck, this mac and cheese always wins rave reviews for its incredible creaminess and signature Southern soul.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This classic Southern favorite keeps things simple yet elevates every component to perfection. Each ingredient serves a special purpose—helping achieve the ideal creamy texture, gorgeous golden crust, and flavor that’s comforting yet crave-worthy.

Uncooked Pasta (4 cups): Elbow macaroni is the classic, but any twisty shape holds the sauce well and carries that cheesy hug in every bite.
Butter (6 tablespoons): Real butter delivers a rich base and helps the roux build structure for extra creamy sauce.
Flour (6 tablespoons): This thickens the sauce so it’s beautifully velvety, never runny.
Milk (1 1/2 cups): Whole milk is best for body and flavor, making the sauce lusciously smooth.
Heavy Whipping Cream (1/2 cup): Adds opulent richness—don’t skip it for that Southern charm.
Shredded Cheese (4 cups, blend of two cheeses): Sharp cheddar and Colby Jack or Monterey Jack bring a melt-in-your-mouth texture and depth.
Salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors, making every bite pop.
White Pepper (1 teaspoon): Lends heat and spice without adding color—perfect for creamy dishes.*
Paprika (1 teaspoon): For smoky undertones and gorgeous color on the golden crust.

How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 325ºF. Get your favorite 9×13-inch casserole dish ready by greasing it with a little butter or nonstick spray—this helps with cleanup later and makes sure nothing sticks to your precious crispy cheese crust.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the oven warms up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente, about a minute less than the package instructions, so the noodles hold their shape and soak up cheesy sauce without turning mushy in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Roux

In a second large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until you get a smooth, blond paste—this roux is the secret to that thick, creamy bake. Stir in the salt, white pepper, and paprika for a burst of Southern flavor.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, bumping up the heat to medium-high. Now comes the moment of magic—gradually add 3 cups of shredded cheese, stirring until you have a perfectly luscious, molten cheese sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta (don’t rinse—you want the sauce to cling to the noodles!). Immediately pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked macaroni and fold it together gently, making sure every bit is coated and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Spoon the gooey mac and cheese into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cup of shredded cheese over the top for that iconic baked finish. Slide it into the oven and bake for 25 minutes, until the top is bubbling and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Pull your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This little pause helps set the cheese sauce so every scoop comes out creamy, not soupy. Now, it’s ready to be the star of your table!

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For extra flair, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or a pinch of extra paprika on top. A dusting of toasted breadcrumbs or even a drizzle of hot sauce can give each serving that irresistible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Pair your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with classic Southern sides like collard greens, candied yams, or a juicy slice of oven-roasted ham. A bright green salad or steamed broccoli offer freshness to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Upgrade your mac and cheese night by portioning it into mini ramekins for individual servings, or spoon it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful twist. For parties, try serving small scoops in muffin liners for easy, cheesy bites everyone can enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to lock in that creamy goodness.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, you can assemble the entire casserole (just don’t bake it yet), wrap it well, and freeze it for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual for a comforting meal anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked flavor, reheat your mac and cheese in a 325ºF oven, covered with foil, until warmed through—about 20 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave with a splash of milk will restore its creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

While it’s tempting for convenience, freshly shredded cheese usually melts smoother and gives the sauce a silkier feel. Pre-shredded options can work in a pinch, but may include additives that affect texture.

Which cheese blend works best?

A mix of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack or Monterey Jack is classic for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Feel free to play—Gruyere, smoked Gouda, or pepper jack add great flavor twists.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Double-check your cheese and seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.

How do I keep it from drying out?

The key is not overbaking and letting the dish rest after baking so the sauce sets but stays creamy. Cover with foil if necessary, and a splash of milk when reheating also helps maintain the perfect consistency.

What’s the difference between Southern Baked Mac and Cheese and regular mac and cheese?

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is all about that baked, casserole-style finish—creamy inside with a thick, bubbly, golden crust on top. The rich roux and blend of cheeses make it notably richer and heartier than many stovetop versions.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about pulling a bubbling pan of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese out of the oven, surrounded by the scent of toasty cheese and anticipation. Give this recipe a try and let it become your new comfort classic—you might just find it’s impossible to make it only once!

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 13 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a classic comfort food dish with a creamy, cheesy sauce layered over tender macaroni, baked to golden perfection. A crowd-pleasing favorite for gatherings and family meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

4 cups uncooked pasta

Cheese Sauce:

6 Tablespoons butter
6 Tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
4 cups shredded cheese (blend of two cheeses)
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon white pepper
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325ºF.
Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish. Set aside.
Melt butter in a large stockpot over medium heat.
In a separate pot, cook macaroni just under preferred doneness.
Whisk in flour to form a roux; add seasonings.
Whisk in milk and cream over medium-high heat.
Whisk in 3 cups of cheese until melted.
Drain pasta; do not rinse.
Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni.
Transfer to casserole dish; top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes until browned.
Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American