Make Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Southern at Home Today
Master the Art of Making Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern
If you’re looking to bring a taste of comfort food to your table, this southern baked mac and cheese recipe is just what you need! Known for its rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this homemade baked mac and cheese is a true soul food classic that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. With a perfect blend of cheeses and a crispy topping that adds just the right amount of crunch, this dish truly stands out as the best baked mac and cheese you’ll ever make. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of deliciousness that warms the heart and satisfies the soul!
For a creamy southern baked macaroni and cheese, mix in a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda, and don’t forget to add a touch of mustard powder for an extra layer of flavor!
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb | Use quality pasta for the best baked mac and cheese texture. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | A must for creamy baked mac and cheese; adds a rich flavor. |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Creates a smooth, creamy texture; ideal for southern baked mac and cheese. |
| Milk | 2 cups | Whole milk works best for homemade baked mac and cheese. |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | Essential for the roux; enhances the soul food mac and cheese richness. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | Used for the roux; thickens the cheese sauce for creamy consistency. |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Adjust to taste; enhances flavors in the best baked mac and cheese. |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Adds a subtle kick; complements the flavors of classic southern baked mac and cheese. |
Tips
- Use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese for a richer flavor profile.
- Prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve.
Essential tools: nonstick pan, medium pot, oven or air fryer, and a blender if needed.
These essentials keep the baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern balanced and consistent every time.
How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern Step by Step

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly.
- Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesy | Sharp Cheddar | Main Cheese for best baked mac and cheese |
| Creamy | Heavy Cream | Base for creamy baked mac and cheese |
| Savory | Smoked Gouda | Flavor enhancer for southern baked mac and cheese |
| Rich | Butter | Fat source for homemade baked mac and cheese |
- Add-ins: herbs, spices, citrus zest, and dressings.
This fiber-rich combo makes it both filling and nutritious.
How to Serve Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern

- Meal prep friendly.
- Brunch-ready bowl.
- Family dinner crowd-pleaser.
| Occasion | Pairing Dish | Beverage |
|---|---|---|
| Birthday Party | Chocolate Cake | Sparkling Wine |
| Outdoor Picnic | Caprese Salad | Lemonade |
| Romantic Dinner | Grilled Salmon | Chardonnay |
Explore related ideas here: more recipes. This reinforces baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern enjoyment.
Serving Size Adjustments
| Ingredient | x1 | x2 | x4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Grain | 1 cup | 2 cups | 4 cups |
| Protein | 1 serving | 2 servings | 4 servings |
| Veggies | 2 cups | 4 cups | 8 cups |
Scaling preserves the nutrition balance of baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern and its components (e.g., fiber/protein ratio). Try a batch cook for weeklong ease.
Allergy-Friendly & Diet Swaps
| Variant | Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | As written | Balanced texture and flavor |
| Vegan | Use tofu or legumes | Plant protein emphasis |
| Gluten-Free | Use GF grains | Check labels for cross-contamination |
| Keto | Swap grains for greens | Keep fats moderate |
- Swap smartly to maintain structure.
- Adjust seasoning to fit each variant.
This ensures baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern fits your dietary needs.
Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Issue: Southern baked mac and cheese often turns out dry — Fix: Add a combination of sour cream and cream cheese to your cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
- Issue: Homemade baked mac and cheese lacks flavor — Fix: Incorporate a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a deeper, more complex taste.
- Issue: Creamy baked mac and cheese can become clumpy — Fix: Stir in a little reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce just before serving.
- Issue: The best baked mac and cheese can be hard to achieve on the first try — Fix: Follow a trusted recipe, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and spices to find your perfect blend.
Keep baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern balanced with mindful timing and seasoning.
Nutritional Highlights
| Calories | ~450 |
| Protein | ~20g |
| Carbs | ~55g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Fiber | ~12g |
| Key Nutrients | Iron, Vitamin C, Folate |
- Fiber-packed and satiating.
- Protein-rich for recovery.
- Balanced bowl for daily energy.
Dietitian tip: Keep the baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern colorful and balanced for micronutrients.
Key Takeaways
- Main technique: build layers with baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern.
- Nutritional benefit: emphasize southern baked mac and cheese.
- Texture/taste: contrast crunchy and creamy elements.
- Serving flexibility: great for meal prep or sharing.
- Prep efficiency: use batch-cooked bases.
Faqs
- Q: What makes southern baked mac and cheese a beloved comfort food in the South?
Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting dish that combines al dente pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, typically featuring sharp cheddar and a blend of other cheeses for depth of flavor. To prepare, cook elbow macaroni until just tender, then toss it with a rich mixture of melted butter, milk, and beaten eggs, along with a generous amount of cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, top with additional cheese and
- Q: What makes a southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe stand out with its creamy texture?
Baked macaroni and cheese is a beloved Southern comfort food known for its rich, creamy texture and cheesy flavor. To create this dish, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then mix it with a creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella. For an extra layer of flavor, incorporate a touch of mustard powder and season with salt and pepper. Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly and golden on top,
- Q: What makes a Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe a soul food classic?
Baked macaroni and cheese is a beloved staple of Southern cuisine, often referred to as soul food mac and cheese. This creamy, cheesy dish typically features a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella, combined with al dente elbow macaroni, and is baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping of breadcrumbs or additional cheese. The secret to its rich flavor often lies in the addition of ingredients like eggs, milk, and sometimes even a touch
- Q: What is a delicious homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe that captures the essence of Southern comfort food?
Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting classic, featuring a creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and sometimes a hint of pepper jack for extra flavor. To make this homemade dish, cook elbow macaroni until al dente, then combine it with a rich cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and the cheeses of your choice, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce. Pour the mixture into a
- Q: What makes the best baked macaroni and cheese recipe Southern style a must-try comfort food?
For a classic Southern baked macaroni and cheese, combine al dente elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and a blend of cream cheese for creaminess. After mixing, pour the concoction into a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and additional cheese for a crispy topping, and bake until golden and bubbling. This recipe is beloved for its creamy texture and cheesy flavor, making it one of the best baked mac
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern |
|
|---|---|
| breakfastideas.site | |
| Love it? Save this recipe for future delicious moments! | |
| Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | |
Ingredients |
|
| Ingredient | Amount |
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
Directions |
|
| Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). | |
| Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni until al dente. | |
| Step 3: Drain the macaroni and set it aside. | |
| Step 4: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. | |
| Step 5: Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbly. | |
| Step 6: Slowly pour in 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. | |
| Step 7: Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. | |
| Step 8: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted. | |
| Step 9: Add in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and mix until smooth. | |
| Step 10: Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor. | |
| Step 11: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated. | |
| Step 12: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. | |
| Step 13: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the top. | |
| Step 14: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. | |
| Step 15: Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the dish to set. | |
Final Thoughts
baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern brings comfort and flavor to every table. Save and share your twist with fresh ideas and a mindful balance.
Pin this baked macaroni and cheese recipe southern and try your twist with best baked mac and cheese today.

