Hey there, fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes with you: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese! This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a creamy, dreamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s guaranteed to turn any meal into a special occasion.

Picture this: late night, craving something seriously satisfying, and armed with a fridge full of possibilities. That’s how my obsession with Southern Baked Mac and Cheese began! I started with a basic mac recipe and kept experimenting until I landed on pure gold.

The result? A Southern Baked Mac and Cheese that’s rich, flavorful, and has that perfect bubbly, golden crust. It was a happy accident turned into an all-time favorite, and now I’m thrilled to share the deliciousness with you! Get ready for a flavor adventure that’ll have everyone doing a happy dance.

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip. This recipe is inspired by other great renditions of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese found at Immaculate Bites, Sweet Tea + Thyme, and The Hungry Bluebird!

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic choice, but feel free to experiment with shells or cavatappi!
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: This adds richness and helps create a luscious sauce.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This is our thickening agent, creating a smooth, creamy base.
3 cups whole milk: Don’t skimp on the fat! It makes for a richer creamy mac and cheese.
1 cup heavy cream: Because why not? This adds an extra layer of decadence.
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I prefer a sharp cheddar for that bold flavor.
2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese: This adds a nutty, slightly sweet flavor that complements the cheddar perfectly.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that salty, savory bite.
1 teaspoon salt: Balances the flavors and brings out the cheesy goodness.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: My secret ingredient! It adds a warm, subtle flavor that elevates the dish.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds a nice crunch to the topping.
2 tablespoons melted butter: For the breadcrumb topping.

No worries if you don’t have Gruyere – Monterey Jack works great too. I use it all the time in my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese!

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese gets its amazing taste from the combination of cheeses and that hint of nutmeg. Trust me, it makes all the difference! Here’s my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese secret that takes it from good to incredible.

Storage tips: You can store any leftover cheese in the fridge, wrapped tightly, for up to a week.

I love adding extra Parmesan to my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese for that extra kick! Feel free to adjust the cheese ratios to your liking.

Let’s Make Some!

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the most amazing Southern Baked Mac and Cheese in no time. I promise, even kitchen newbies can rock this recipe! You’ll be pleasantly surprised how easy it is to make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is where the magic starts happening! We want that Southern Baked Mac and Cheese to be golden and bubbly.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it! Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb more of the cheese sauce and prevent your creamy mac and cheese from becoming mushy.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy sauce.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine, making sure all the pasta is coated in that cheesy goodness. This is my favorite part of making Southern Baked Mac and Cheese – watch the magic happen!
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. This will give us that perfect golden crust.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly. While your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The smell of cheesy, baked goodness will fill your kitchen.
Let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit.

In my kitchen, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese usually takes about 20 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on it and adjust the baking time as needed. Don’t worry if your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese looks a little uneven – it’ll still taste incredible!

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese hits the table with some crispy fried chicken or BBQ ribs! It’s also amazing as a side dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a fancy dinner party. If you’re looking for something new, try Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites!

I love to enjoy this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese with a side of collard greens or a fresh garden salad. The bitterness of the greens balances the richness of the mac and cheese perfectly.

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Serve it with a simple green salad and some garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation is key! Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. For a more rustic look, serve it straight from the baking dish.

Got leftovers? No problem! You can transform this cheddar mac and cheese into amazing mac and cheese balls. Just chill the leftovers, roll them into balls, dip them in breadcrumbs, and fry them until golden brown.

I’ve also experimented with adding different toppings, like crumbled bacon or jalapeños, for a fusion twist. The possibilities are endless! This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese reminds me of another bold flavor favorite, Chicken Parmesan Grilled Cheese!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common concerns about making Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, along with my tried-and-true tips and tricks.

Q: Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward and easy to follow. Just take your time and follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be a Southern Baked Mac and Cheese pro in no time!

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

A: While it’s convenient, I highly recommend shredding your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly shredded cheese will give you a much creamier sauce for your Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.

Q: What if I mess up my Southern Baked Mac and Cheese? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!)

A: Don’t sweat it! Even if your sauce is a little lumpy or your topping isn’t perfectly golden, it’ll still taste amazing. The most important thing is that it’s cheesy and delicious.

Q: How can I prep this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese for busy weeknights?

A: You can definitely prep this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time! Just cook the macaroni and make the cheese sauce, then combine them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, top with breadcrumbs and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?

A: Yes, you can! Bake the cheddar mac and cheese as directed, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to create your own signature Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Gouda, Fontina, and Havarti are all great options.

Q: My Southern Baked Mac and Cheese sauce is too thick. What do I do?

A: Simply add a little more milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Q: My Southern Baked Mac and Cheese sauce is too thin. How do I fix it?

A: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold milk. Stir this mixture into the sauce and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

I’ve experimented with so many variations of this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, and each one has been a delicious adventure! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own. I’ve had readers ask, “Can I use different types of pasta?” Absolutely! Get creative, fellow food lover! You can even add different vegetables to change up this homemade mac and cheese!

CONCLUSION:

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese brings me so much joy because it’s the ultimate comfort food. It’s perfect for sharing with loved ones, celebrating special occasions, or simply indulging in a little cheesy goodness on a cozy night in. Learning how to make Southern Comfort Food is something everyone should know!

My Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Flavor Secrets:

Nutmeg is a must! It adds a subtle warmth that elevates the flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta! Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb more of the cheese sauce.
Use a blend of cheeses! This adds complexity and depth of flavor.

Here are a few delicious Southern Baked Mac and Cheese variations I’ve tested:

Spicy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Bacon Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory flavor.
Vegetarian Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers.

The possibilities are endless!

Trust your taste buds and get creative! I’m so excited for you to try this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese and experience the delicious magic for yourself. For more weeknight winners, check out Cream Cheese Tortilla Bites!

Happy cooking, fellow food lovers! And don’t forget to share your homemade mac and cheese creations with me. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! This easy mac and cheese recipe is one of my favorites and reminds me of another winner, Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites. Enjoy this Southern Comfort Food classic!

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and boasts a perfectly golden-brown crust. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated.
Pour macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.