Creamy, Dreamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: A Family Favorite Recipe

Photo byPatricia Baker

When it comes to Southern comfort food, nothing beats a warm, creamy, baked mac and cheese. This classic dish, steeped in tradition, is a staple at family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners across the South. With its golden, bubbly crust and velvety cheese sauce, Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is more than just a side dish—it's a soulful experience that brings people together. Whether you're serving it alongside fried chicken or enjoying it as a standalone comfort meal, this recipe offers the perfect blend of richness, cheesiness, and Southern charm.

The Rich Heritage of Southern Mac and Cheese

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is unique in that it skips the béchamel sauce common in other mac and cheese recipes. Instead, the Southern version leans into the flavors of evaporated milk, cream, eggs, and multiple types of cheese, giving the dish a firmer, yet still creamy, texture. Its famous golden-brown crust is what sets it apart, offering a delightful contrast to the soft, cheesy pasta beneath.

Recipe: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 4 cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 cups shredded cheese (a blend of sharp cheddar and Colby Jack works well)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 2 minutes until golden.
4. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, increasing the heat to medium-high. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens.
5. Add 3 cups of the shredded cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Drain the pasta (do not rinse) and fold it into the cheese sauce.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish, topping it with the remaining cup of shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
9. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

The Perfect Pairing

While Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, it pairs wonderfully with other Southern favorites like fried chicken, collard greens, or candied yams. It's also a fantastic dish to bring to potlucks or holiday gatherings, where its comforting flavors are sure to please.

With every bite of this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese, you're reminded of the warmth and tradition of Southern cooking, making it a dish you'll return to time and again for its creamy texture, rich flavor, and crispy top.

For further details on this recipe and more Southern cooking tips, check out sources like (Cooks with Soul)tps:/​(The Soul Food Pot)thern-mac-and-cheese-soul-food/) and The Soul Food Pot.