Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food? Southern Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, baked dish that embodies soul food at its finest. Unlike boxed versions, this classic recipe is rich with real cheese, butter, and love. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any time you want something warm and satisfying, this dish delivers bold flavor and a creamy texture that keeps people coming back for seconds. Whether you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur or trying it Southern-style for the first time, this recipe offers the perfect balance of creaminess and baked golden goodness you’ll absolutely love.

Ingredients Of Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You Will Love This Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Southern Mac and Cheese is comfort in every bite. It’s indulgent, rich, and packed with layers of cheesy goodness. Unlike stovetop versions, this baked style has a luscious, custard-like interior with a crisp, golden top that’s irresistible. It’s also incredibly versatile—easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for holiday spreads. Plus, it brings a nostalgic taste of the South, full of homemade love and satisfying flavor.

Preparation Process Of Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Start by cooking the macaroni until al dente. While that cooks, prepare a roux using butter and flour, then slowly whisk in milk and add cream cheese. Once melted, stir in most of the shredded cheeses to make a velvety cheese sauce. Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, spices, and beaten egg in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

Step By Step Instructions

Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden, forming a roux.

Add Milk & Cream: Slowly pour in whole milk and evaporated milk, whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Melt Cheese: Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar and the Colby Jack. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Season the Sauce: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Pasta & Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until well coated.

Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the mac and cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.

Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

How to Serve?

• Serve hot and fresh from the oven
• Pair with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or collard greens
• Garnish with chopped parsley or extra shredded cheese
• Serve as a side dish at family gatherings or potlucks

Tips & Variations

Nutrition

1. Calories: 480
2. Protein: 18g
3. Fat: 30g
4. Carbohydrates: 35g
5. Fiber: 1g
6. Sugar: 5g
7. Calcium: 320mg

Recipe Card

Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Recipe by Rachael rayCourse: Mac And Cheese Recipe

Servings

8

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

35

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

Southern Mac and Cheese is the ultimate baked comfort food, known for its rich, creamy texture and golden crust. Made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, cream cheese, and a touch of butter, this soul food staple is perfect for any meal. It’s easy to prepare, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to become a favorite at every gathering. Whether served as a main dish or a hearty side, it brings Southern warmth and tradition straight to your table. This recipe is a must-try for cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni – 2 cups (uncooked)

• Sharp cheddar cheese – 3 cups (shredded, divided)

• Colby Jack cheese – 1 cup (shredded)

• Cream cheese – 4 oz

• Whole milk – 2 cups

• Evaporated milk – 1 cup

• Butter – ½ cup (1 stick)

• All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons

• Salt – 1 teaspoon

• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Paprika – ½ teaspoon

• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

• Egg – 1 large (beaten)

Directions

• Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
• Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden, forming a roux.
• Add Milk & Cream: Slowly pour in whole milk and evaporated milk, whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.
• Melt Cheese: Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar and the Colby Jack. Stir until smooth and creamy.
• Season the Sauce: Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
• Combine Pasta & Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Add the beaten egg and mix thoroughly until well coated.
• Assemble: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the mac and cheese mixture, spreading evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
• Bake: Place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30–35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
• Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

Recipe Video

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results
• Don’t overcook the pasta—it continues cooking in the oven
• Let the dish rest before cutting for clean servings
• You can make it ahead and reheat before serving

FAQs

Conclusion