Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving the warmest hug in a casserole dish, look no further than this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Overflowing with silky, bold cheeses and laced with just the right touch of spice, this soul food classic will have everyone reaching for seconds—and maybe even thirds!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such everyday ingredients can come together in the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese to create something truly spectacular. Each element plays a starring role in achieving that signature creamy, gooey, perfectly baked texture and flavor.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese! Its little curves perfectly cradle all that luscious sauce.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the noodles and helps everything bake up beautifully soft and decadent.
• Large Egg: Gently sets the casserole, adding structure for that sliceable, scoopable Southern style.
• Evaporated Milk: Essential for that old-school, ultra-creamy Southern base; milk won’t split when baked!
• Whole Milk: Rounds out the sauce, providing balance and a little extra creaminess.
• Extra-Sharp White Cheddar: The backbone of cheesy flavor! Go for a block and grate it yourself for the best melt.
• Mild Cheddar (or Similar): Blends with the sharp cheese to mellow things out and deliver a stretchy melt.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Secret ingredient alert! It makes every bite creamier and silkier than you ever thought possible.
• Salt: Crucial for drawing out the cheese flavors—be sure to taste before adding the egg!
• Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Gives the mac a personality boost with gentle spice and Southern depth.
• Dry Mustard Powder (or Dijon): Adds a subtle tang that sharpens the cheese profile in just the right way.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia without overpowering.
• Fresh Cracked Pepper: A few grinds add the final pop of flavor on top right before baking!

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to personalize! From different cheeses to spice levels, you can make this classic completely your own—no matter what’s in your fridge or pantry today.

• Different Cheese Blends: Swap in Monterey Jack, fontina, Colby Jack, or even gouda for a unique flavor twist or to use what you already have.
• Herb Lovers’ Mac: Add fresh chopped thyme, chives, or parsley to the cheese mixture for a garden-fresh pop—so good in spring!
• Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, hot sauce, or more Cajun seasoning to bring extra Southern heat.
• Bacon Bliss: Sprinkle crisp, crumbled bacon or smoked ham between the cheesy layers for salty, savory depth.
• Gluten-Free Mac: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check labels for the other ingredients—no flavor compromise here!

How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Casserole Dish and Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly butter a 3-quart casserole or a 9×13 baking dish. This little extra touch ensures those cheesy edges won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze and giving every corner that golden crust we love!

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Boil the macaroni in unsalted water, adding 2 minutes to the recommended cooking time for that soft, classic baked texture. Once drained, toss the hot noodles with butter—watch it melt and coat every elbow!

Step 3: Grate and Mix the Cheeses

While your pasta’s bubbling away, grate both cheddars (white and mild) using a box grater or food processor—freshly grated cheese melts so much better than the bagged stuff! Combine them in a bowl, ready for their starring role.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until mostly smooth—don’t worry if a few lumps remain. Stir in the whole milk, salt, Cajun seasoning, dry mustard, and nutmeg, building layers of Southern flavor.

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Cheese, and Seasonings

Mix the buttered macaroni into the bowl with your creamy mixture, then fold in half the shredded cheese. Give it a taste, and adjust seasonings if you like—it should already be irresistible! Lastly, mix in the beaten egg for that signature Southern set.

Step 6: Assemble and Layer for Extra Cheese Pull

Spread half of the mac and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese, then repeat—layers are the secret to gooey pockets and that golden, bubbly finish. Add fresh cracked pepper on top for the perfect finish!

Step 7: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Bake your masterpiece for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the filling is bubbling at the edges. For that irresistible, slightly browned top, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn! Let cool for at least 15 minutes so it sets up and scoops beautifully.

How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is already a showstopper, but a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of color and freshness. For a smoky touch, try dusting the top with a pinch of paprika before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside barbecue favorites, fried chicken, collard greens, or green beans. For a classic Southern spread, add buttery cornbread and a side of tangy coleslaw—it’s pure comfort food heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Serve the mac and cheese in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for individual portions. Or, scoop into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for a fun, colorful twist that doubles as a veggie side!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then store them tightly covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch (or midnight snack!) even more delicious.

Freezing

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese freezes beautifully! Once fully cooled, wrap tightly with plastic and foil, then freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for perfect results.

Reheating

For that freshly baked taste, reheat leftovers in the oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out) at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, adding a splash of milk to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bubbling dish of Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese—the way it brings people together and transforms a simple meal into a warm, joyful memory. I hope you give it a try soon and create your own cherished moments around the table!

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