Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Southern – Delicious & Simple
Master the Art of Making Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern
If you’re in the mood for comfort food that warms the soul, look no further than this delightful southern baked mac and cheese recipe! This creamy baked mac and cheese is a staple in many households, embodying the essence of soul food with its rich, cheesy goodness and perfectly baked crust. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply craving the best baked mac and cheese, this homemade baked mac and cheese will surely become a beloved favorite at your table, bringing smiles and satisfaction to everyone who digs in.
For the creamiest baked macaroni and cheese, use a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère, and don’t forget to incorporate a splash of evaporated milk or heavy cream for extra richness!
Gather Your Ingredients & Tools

| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb | Use high-quality pasta for the best baked mac and cheese. |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 2 cups, shredded | A must for a creamy baked mac and cheese; adds great flavor. |
| Monterey Jack Cheese | 1 cup, shredded | For extra creaminess in homemade baked mac and cheese. |
| Whole Milk | 2 cups | Essential for creating a rich, creamy sauce. |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | Use unsalted for better control of seasoning in soul food mac and cheese. |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | To make a roux for the creamy sauce. |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup | Optional topping for a crunchy finish on southern baked mac and cheese. |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Enhances flavor; adjust based on cheese saltiness. |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | For a subtle kick in the best baked mac and cheese. |
Tips
- Use a combination of sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese for a more complex flavor profile.
- Portion leftovers into individual servings and freeze them for quick meals later; just reheat in the oven or microwave.
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 according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and combine it with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Chef tip: Season in layers and adjust to taste.
Flavor & Texture Secrets

| Flavor Element | Ingredient | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cheesy | Cheddar Cheese | Main |
| Creamy | Heavy Cream | Binder |
| Southern | Breadcrumb Topping | Texture |
| Rich | Butter | Flavor Enhancer |
| Homemade | Elbow Macaroni | Base |
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding | Grilled Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Game Night | Buffalo Chicken Wings | IPA Beer |
| Sunday Brunch | Eggs Benedict | Mimosa |
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: Baked mac and cheese is too dry — Fix: Add extra cream or milk to your creamy baked mac and cheese recipe before baking to ensure a moist, rich texture.
- Issue: Mac and cheese lacks flavor — Fix: Incorporate sharp cheddar and a touch of mustard powder into your southern baked mac and cheese for a flavorful twist.
- Issue: Cheese sauce is grainy — Fix: Ensure that your cheese is at room temperature and melt it slowly over low heat for a smooth, velvety homemade baked mac and cheese.
- Issue: Mac and cheese isn’t cheesy enough — Fix: Use a blend of cheeses, including mozzarella, for the best baked mac and cheese that balances creaminess and flavor.
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 must-try comfort food recipe?
Southern baked macaroni and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food staple that features elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich mixture of sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and milk, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy top. To prepare, cook the pasta until al dente, then combine it with the cheese sauce and pour into a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch and bake until bubbly and golden brown. This dish
- 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 characterized by its creamy, rich texture and cheesy flavor. A classic recipe often includes elbow macaroni mixed with a velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, cream, and a touch of butter, all baked to perfection until bubbly and golden on top. For an extra twist, some Southern versions incorporate ingredients like breadcrumbs for crunch, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick,
- Q: What makes Southern baked macaroni and cheese a soul food favorite?
Southern baked macaroni and cheese, often regarded as a soul food staple, features a creamy, rich combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and velvety Monterey Jack, mixed with cooked elbow macaroni. The dish is typically enhanced with butter, milk, and a hint of mustard for depth, then topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese before being baked to golden perfection. This comforting recipe embodies the heartwarming flavors of Southern cuisine, making it a beloved
- Q: What is a delicious homemade baked macaroni and cheese recipe that embodies the rich flavors of Southern comfort food?
Baked macaroni and cheese, a beloved staple in Southern cuisine, is all about creamy homemade goodness. Start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente, then prepare a rich cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère for depth of flavor. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce, pour into a greased baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy finish. Bake
- Q: What is the best baked mac and cheese recipe that embodies the rich, creamy flavors of Southern comfort food?
For the best Southern baked macaroni and cheese, start by cooking elbow macaroni until al dente, then mix it with a creamy cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and a dash of cream for richness. Combine the pasta with the sauce and pour it into a greased baking dish. Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter for a crunchy finish, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until
Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Southern |
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|---|---|
| birthday-cake.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 |
| Whole Milk | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 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 according to package instructions until al dente. | |
| Step 3: While the pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. | |
| Step 4: Stir in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes to create a roux. | |
| Step 5: Gradually whisk in 4 cups of milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles. | |
| Step 6: Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the sauce. | |
| Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. | |
| Step 8: Drain the cooked macaroni and combine it with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat. | |
| Step 9: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 3-quart baking dish. | |
| Step 10: In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons of melted butter. | |
| Step 11: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. | |
| Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. | |
| Step 13: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. | |
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.

