Rich, Cheesy Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe for the Perfect Side Dish

When it comes to soul food, few dishes can match the pure comfort and creamy goodness of baked mac and cheese. This is not your average boxed macaroni—this Southern-inspired recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Imagine pulling a bubbling, golden dish of cheesy heaven out of the oven, the top perfectly crispy while the inside remains rich and creamy. Each bite delivers a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and buttery goodness that melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of side dish that steals the show, even next to a perfectly fried chicken or smoked ribs.

Photo byCharles Uber

Mac and cheese has always been a staple in my household, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart. Growing up, Sunday dinners weren’t complete without it. Whether it was Thanksgiving, a family reunion, or just a cozy weeknight, mac and cheese was always there to bring everyone together. Over time, I’ve perfected this version, making it indulgent yet simple enough for any occasion.

If you love comfort food, this Southern mac and cheese is a must-try. It’s the perfect side dish to elevate any meal, and I’m excited to share this recipe with you. Hit that follow button to keep up with all my tasty comfort food recipes!

A Little Backstory on Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is often considered an American classic, but did you know that it has deeper roots? Its origins can be traced back to Italy, where the combination of pasta and cheese was born. But it was James Hemings, an African-American chef and the first known person to bring the dish to the U.S., who adapted it into the creamy casserole we know today. Over time, it became a beloved soul food side dish, often appearing on tables during Sunday dinners and festive gatherings.

The Southern twist to mac and cheese is in its heartiness. It’s richer, often baked to perfection with a variety of cheeses, and sometimes even includes a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s a dish that is all about indulgence—perfect for when you need some extra comfort on your plate.

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or similar pasta)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 4 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tbsp butter, melted (for breadcrumb topping, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow it to simmer, thickening slightly, for about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Set aside about ½ cup of cheddar cheese for topping.
6. Combine the pasta and sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, stirring until the pasta is fully coated.
7. Assemble and bake: Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crispy finish, combine the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the cheese.
8. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly. If you’re using breadcrumbs, they should be crispy and golden.
9. Serve and enjoy! Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips:

• For extra creaminess, don’t skip the heavy cream! It adds richness to the dish that’s hard to beat.
• Switch up the cheese blend by adding smoked gouda or gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
• Make it spicy! Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce if you like a little heat.
• Crispier topping: You can also top the mac and cheese with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for added texture.

Delicious Pairings and Side Ideas

Mac and cheese pairs perfectly with just about anything, but here are some ideas to make your meal even more amazing:

• Fried or baked chicken (especially Southern-style)
• Barbecue ribs with a tangy sauce
• Sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli for a bit of freshness
• Buttermilk biscuits to soak up all the cheesy goodness

Call to Action:

Did you enjoy this Southern mac and cheese recipe? Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family. Make sure to hit follow for more comforting soul food recipes. You won’t want to miss out!

Sources:

Family Recipe