If you’re craving a comfort food classic that hits all the right notes, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the answer. Creamy, rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a golden crust baked to bubbly perfection make every bite an absolute joy. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table and feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a weeknight dinner, or a potluck meal, it’s guaranteed to be the star of the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making the magic happen in this dish. Each one plays a crucial role: the pasta provides the perfect base texture; butter and flour create a silky roux; the cheeses bring layers of flavor and gooey richness, while the spices add that signature Southern kick.
- 8 ounces uncooked macaroni: Use elbow macaroni as it holds the sauce beautifully for that classic bite.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for making the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons flour: Works with butter to create the base of the creamy sauce, offering body without clumps.
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk: Adds richness and creaminess with a hint of caramelized flavor.
- 1 cup half and half: Balances the sauce’s thickness and flavor perfectly.
- ½ to 1 tablespoon onion powder: Brings subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Adds savory warmth that laces through every bite.
- ½ to 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning: The star seasoning that delivers that authentic Southern flair.
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Provides just the right kick to keep this mac and cheese interesting and bold.
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated: Melts beautifully to contribute shine and stretch.
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated: Offers classic sharpness and richness that defines Southern mac and cheese.
- ½ cup jack cheese: Brings a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling the macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain it well so your final dish won’t end up watery. This is the foundation—perfectly cooked pasta sets the stage for a creamy cheese sauce to cling to.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and immediately whisk in the flour. Keep whisking for about a minute until the mixture is smooth and you no longer taste the raw flour. This mixture is what thickens your cheese sauce, so patience here yields luxuriously creamy results.
Step 3: Add Milk Slowly
Carefully pour in the evaporated milk a little at a time, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. Follow with the half and half, continuing to whisk. Simmer this mixture gently for 3 to 5 minutes until it starts thickening into a luscious sauce.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper. These spices infuse the sauce with that unmistakable Southern warmth and boldness. Let the sauce simmer gently for an additional 2 minutes so all the flavors can meld beautifully.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses
Now, stir in the mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and jack cheese, reserving some for the topping. Keep mixing until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce, creating that rich, silky texture that makes Southern baked mac and cheese so irresistible. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni directly into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece evenly. This ensures each forkful is dripping with cheesy goodness. If you want your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to be deeply satisfying, this step is crucial!
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden and the sauce is bubbling invitingly. This finishing touch adds delightful texture contrast to the creamy interior.
How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of vibrant green and subtle freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika can add extra color and a mild smoky hint that complements the spices in the mac and cheese beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green vegetables like sautéed kale or steamed broccoli to balance the richness. For a true Southern feast, serve alongside fried chicken or slow-cooked collard greens to turn your meal into a celebration of classic flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a charming presentation, perfect for dinner parties. For a fun twist, layer it with cooked bacon or caramelized onions before baking, adding extra texture and flavor that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy those cheesy comforts for multiple meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully! Just portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to restore that baked, crispy topping. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts stirring in between works for quick meals, but you might miss that crave-worthy crust.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding cheese sauce, you can experiment with shells, cavatappi, or penne based on your preference and what’s available.
What cheeses work best?
This recipe uses a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and jack cheese for balance in flavor and meltability. Feel free to swap or add gouda or Monterey Jack for variations, but keep a sharp cheese for that signature bite.
Is the cayenne pepper very spicy?
No, the cayenne is added sparingly to give just a subtle warming kick that enhances the overall flavor profile without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a similar roux. It might require a little extra stirring to thicken, but the results are just as delicious.
Why use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk adds richness and a slightly caramelized flavor that elevates the sauce beyond what regular milk offers. It contributes to the creamy texture without thinning the sauce too much.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a beloved classic that brings joy with every creamy, cheesy bite. Its hearty textures and vibrant flavors make it a dish everyone can enjoy, and once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort food. Don’t hesitate to gather your ingredients and dive into making this delicious tradition your own—you’re in for a treat!
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Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish featuring a rich cheese sauce infused with Creole seasoning and a hint of cayenne pepper. Perfectly baked to a golden, bubbly finish, it combines tender macaroni with a blend of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and jack cheeses for a soulful take on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked macaroni
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 cup half and half (or ½ cup cream and ½ cup milk)
- ½ – 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ – 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cheeses
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- ½ cup jack cheese, grated (any jack cheese preferred)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour continuously until fully blended and cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add milk liquids: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk a little at a time, then add the half and half slowly as well, ensuring no lumps form. Simmer the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Season the sauce: Add onion powder, garlic powder, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper to the thickened sauce.
- Simmer gently: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it simmer for about 2 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Incorporate cheeses: Stir in most of the mozzarella, cheddar, and jack cheeses until melted, smooth, and evenly combined. Reserve some cheese for topping. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a lightly greased 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly on top.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- You can substitute the half and half with equal parts cream and milk for a richer sauce.
- Feel free to adjust the Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
- Using freshly grated cheese will yield better melt and texture than pre-shredded cheese.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked right before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
