Creamy, Cheesy, and Crispy: The Best Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Photo byfast recipes

Few dishes evoke the warmth and comfort of home quite like a baked Southern-style macaroni and cheese casserole. Rich, creamy, and perfectly cheesy, this is the type of dish that brings people together. Whether it's a Sunday dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual weeknight meal, macaroni and cheese has a special place on Southern tables.

The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity. With three kinds of cheese, a velvety cream sauce, and a buttery, crispy topping, this dish offers layers of flavor in every bite. Southern macaroni and cheese isn't just about tossing pasta with cheese and calling it a day—this recipe brings the extra richness that elevates it from ordinary to unforgettable.

When you bake macaroni and cheese, it transforms. The oven adds an irresistible crunch to the top layer, while the inside stays soft, creamy, and delicious. It’s the perfect blend of textures and flavors, and when you scoop out that first serving, you know you’re in for a treat.

Recipe: Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy top)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
4. Add the drained macaroni and melted butter to the egg mixture, stirring until everything is well coated.
5. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses until the pasta is evenly covered in cheesy goodness.
6. Pour the cheesy macaroni mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and, if desired, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy finish.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
9. Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Why This Recipe Works

This Southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole is a testament to comfort food at its finest. The combination of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella delivers a balance of bold and creamy flavors. Meanwhile, the eggs and cream ensure a luscious, custard-like texture that sets Southern-style mac and cheese apart from the stovetop version.

The optional panko breadcrumbs give this dish an extra crunch that makes every bite a textural delight. However, even without them, the cheesy top layer bakes into a crispy, golden finish that's irresistible.

This dish is as versatile as it is comforting. You can serve it alongside barbecue, fried chicken, or as a standalone dish. No matter the occasion, this baked macaroni and cheese casserole is sure to impress.

For a rich, Southern-style baked macaroni and cheese casserole, this recipe brings the best of comfort food to your table. Combining sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheeses, the dish delivers a perfect balance of flavors, all tied together with a custard-like texture thanks to the eggs and cream. The topping of optional panko breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch to each bite, elevating the mac and cheese from simple to spectacular.

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni al dente, so it finishes perfectly in the oven. The cheese mixture, infused with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, coats the pasta in a creamy sauce. The dish is then topped with extra cheese (and breadcrumbs if you choose), and baked until the top is golden and bubbly. This casserole is perfect as a side for a family dinner or as a star dish at holiday feasts.

Why It Works

The combination of cheeses ensures a perfect melt, while the cream and eggs give a silky texture, which is a signature of Southern baked mac and cheese​(I Heart Recipes)​(The Domestic Diva). The balance of seasonings like paprika and the crispy breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying contrast of textures​(Southern Living)​(Sugar, Spice and Glitter).

Whether paired with barbecue, fried chicken, or ham, this casserole fits seamlessly into any meal​(The Seasoned Mom). It can even be prepared ahead and baked later, making it a convenient choice for busy kitchens.