Grandma’s Golden Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Comfort meets creativity in this southern baked mac and cheese recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight.

Creamy cheese layers melt into tender pasta, creating a decadent dish bursting with Southern charm.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic comfort food, passing down secrets from kitchen to kitchen.

Each forkful promises a rich, golden experience that speaks directly to your soul.

Crispy edges and a velvety interior create a magical contrast you won’t be able to resist.

Grandmothers and home chefs know the magic is in the perfect cheese blend and slow baking.

Let this recipe transport you to a warm, welcoming kitchen where love is served by the spoonful.

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a generous layer of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil and toss in the macaroni. Cook until just shy of package instructions – you want a slight firmness. Drain the pasta and gently toss with butter to keep the noodles from clumping together.

Step 3: Craft the Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Evaporated milk
• Beaten eggs

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Dijon mustard

Stir continuously, keeping the mixture warm but stopping short of a boil.

Step 4: Build the Cheesy Layers

• Spread half the cooked pasta
• Scatter a generous handful of shredded cheeses
• Pour half the milk mixture

Repeat the layers for maximum flavor intensity.

Step 5: Add a Crunchy Topping

• Crushed Ritz crackers
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this golden mixture over the top for an irresistible crunch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges bubble with cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the sauce set and makes serving easier. Grab a spoon and dive into this Southern comfort classic!

Useful Tips For Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Customize Cheese Blend: Mix sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and monterey jack for a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the classic mac and cheese beyond basic recipes.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot milk mixture while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Maximize Pasta Texture: Undercook macaroni slightly during initial boiling since it continues cooking in the oven, preventing mushy noodles and maintaining perfect al dente consistency.
• Boost Cracker Topping: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to the Ritz cracker crumb mixture for an extra layer of aromatic crunch and freshness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to meld before baking.

Store Southern Baked Mac And Cheese The Smart Way

• Refrigerate leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Cool the dish completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a sealed container to maintain freshness.
• When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
• Avoid freezing this particular recipe, as the creamy sauce may separate and lose its smooth consistency when thawed.
• For best quality, consume within 2-3 days of preparation and always reheat thoroughly until steaming hot.

Tasty Combos With Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a light, tangy green salad with mixed herbs and a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Complement with Smoky BBQ Protein: Serve alongside pulled pork or smoked chicken to enhance the southern comfort food experience with complementary flavors.
• Match with Bright Citrus Beverage: Pour a cold glass of fresh lemonade or a citrus-infused iced tea to balance the dish's heavy, cheesy profile and refresh the palate.
• Finish with Crunchy Pickled Side: Add quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber or okra to introduce a sharp, acidic contrast that helps cleanse the taste buds between bites.

Ways To Change Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a fiery southern-style mac and cheese with extra heat.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp up chopped bacon and mix it into the mac and cheese layers, sprinkling extra on top for a smoky, meaty flavor profile.
• Vegetable Fusion: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or spinach to boost nutrition and add depth to the classic comfort dish.
• Seafood Southern Style: Fold in chunks of crab meat or shrimp to transform the mac and cheese into a luxurious coastal-inspired casserole with rich, creamy textures.

Southern Baked Mac And Cheese FAQs

• Why is this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese different from other recipes?

This version uses multiple types of milk (heavy cream, evaporated milk) and eggs, creating an incredibly rich and creamy texture that’s classic to Southern cooking traditions.

• What makes the cheese sauce so special?

The combination of seasonings like smoked paprika, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder adds depth and complexity to the cheese sauce, making it more flavorful than standard mac and cheese recipes.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests traditional shredded cheeses, you can experiment with sharp cheddar, gruyere, monterey jack, or a blend to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

• Do I really need to use multiple types of milk?

The blend of milks creates a luxurious, silky texture that’s signature to Southern mac and cheese. Each milk brings unique richness – heavy cream adds decadence, evaporated milk provides extra creaminess, and regular milk balances the mixture.

What Makes Southern Baked Mac And Cheese Loved

• Comfort Food Champion: This Southern baked mac and cheese delivers ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors perfect for satisfying serious comfort food cravings.
• Stress-Free Cooking Adventure: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice home cooks can effortlessly create a mouthwatering dish without complicated techniques or expensive equipment.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this classic recipe that transforms basic pantry staples into a rich, indulgent meal guaranteed to generate smiles around the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings where convenience matters most.

What You’ll Need For Southern Baked Mac And Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds cheese sauce perfectly, a Southern mac and cheese staple.
• Salt: Enhances pasta flavor during boiling, crucial for seasoning from the start.

• Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Evaporated Milk: Rich dairy blend creates a creamy, luxurious sauce base, each adding depth and smoothness.
• Butter: Adds richness and prevents pasta sticking, provides a silky texture.
• Eggs: Helps bind the sauce and creates a custard-like consistency.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Mild Cheddar Cheese: Sharp provides tang, mild adds creaminess, classic Southern mac and cheese combination.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasoning for overall flavor balance.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and aromatic background notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides subtle smoky undertone, characteristic of Southern cooking.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and complexity to cheese sauce.

• Ritz Crackers or Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides crispy, golden crust for textural contrast.