This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting! It features tender pasta smothered in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a crunchy golden crust.
Honestly, this dish is like a warm hug for your belly! I love serving it alongside BBQ, and leftovers (if there are any!) make a fantastic next-day meal that warms you right up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Elbow Macaroni: This is the classic pasta for mac and cheese. However, you can use other shapes like shells, cavatappi, or fusilli if you prefer a twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor! If you want something milder, go for medium cheddar. You could also mix in some Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste.
Milk and Cream: Whole milk and heavy cream create the creamy texture. For a lighter version, you can use 2% milk or even a mix of milk and low-fat yogurt or sour cream.
Evaporated Milk: This adds richness. If you can’t find it, you can substitute with an extra cup of whole milk or half and half.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers: These are optional for a crispy topping. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
How Can I Ensure My Mac and Cheese is Creamy and Not Dry?
The key to creamy mac and cheese lies in the sauce and cooking method. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it doesn’t soak up too much sauce while baking.
- Use plenty of cheese and a combination of cheeses for optimal flavor and creaminess.
- Consider leaving the mac and cheese covered with foil during the first 30 minutes of baking to maintain moisture, then uncover it to crisp up the top.
- Let it cool for a bit after baking for the sauce to set, which helps maintain creaminess when serving.
How to Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Macaroni:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (optional, for a bit of southern warmth)
- 1 tsp dry mustard powder (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe requires about 15 minutes for prep and around 45-55 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Altogether, you’re looking at about an hour and 15 minutes until you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Butter the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your baking dish (a 9×13 inch dish works great) and butter it well so the mac and cheese doesn’t stick.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until it’s just al dente—this is about 1 minute less than the package says. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Cheese Sauce:
In a giant mixing bowl, crack in the 4 eggs and whisk them. Add the whole milk, heavy cream, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Then, toss in salt, black pepper, paprika, and mustard powder. Whisk everything together until it’s nice and smooth.
4. Combine with Cheese:
Now, stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into your milk and egg mixture. Make sure it’s all mixed up well!
5. Combine with the Pasta:
Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy cheese mixture. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta with that delicious sauce!
6. Pour Into Baking Dish:
Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish.
7. Add the Topping:
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re using breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, sprinkle those on top as well for an extra crunch.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Place the dish uncovered in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the top is golden brown and bubbly with crispy edges.
9. Cool and Serve:
When it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the dish set perfectly so it’s easy to serve.
Enjoy your classic Southern Baked Mac and Cheese — creamy on the inside with a perfectly golden cheesy crust on top! It’s comfort food at its best!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions, as gluten-free pasta may have a different cooking time.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and cover it tightly. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if it’s going in the oven cold.
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but add a splash of milk to keep it creamy!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to Customize My Mac and Cheese?
Of course! You can mix in cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables (like spinach or broccoli), or even different cheeses for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that adding more ingredients may change the cooking time slightly.