Name: Southern Baked Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded gruyère cheese; 4 cups whole milk; 4 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug, look no further than Southern Baked Mac & Cheese. This dish isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s an invitation to comfort with every bite, blending creamy cheese sauces and tender pasta baked until golden and bubbling. Perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or any time you want a touch of Southern soul food, Southern Baked Mac & Cheese brings that irresistible combination of rich flavor and satisfying texture that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy, cheesy layers melt perfectly into tender pasta for the ultimate feel-good food.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a crowd-pleaser even for beginner cooks.
Versatile and Adaptable: It takes well to variations, letting you tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether a weeknight dinner or a holiday side, it fits beautifully into many meal plans.
Classic Southern Soul Food: It captures the essence of Southern cooking with a modern ease that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting ready for Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is simple, yet each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture. From rich cheeses to perfectly cooked pasta, these essentials come together to make a memorable meal.

Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold cheese flavor that’s the heart of the dish.
Gruyère Cheese: Melts smoothly to give a creamy texture and nutty undertone.
Whole Milk: Creates a rich, velvety base for the cheese sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the sauce.
All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Dijon Mustard: A small punch of tanginess that boosts depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the cheese’s richness.
Breadcrumbs: Provides a golden, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Smoked Paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky note to elevate the flavor profile.

Variations for Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

One of the best parts of Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want it spicier, healthier, or loaded with extras, these variations let you experiment and make the recipe truly your own.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
Vegetarian-Friendly: Include steamed broccoli or roasted red peppers to add veggie goodness.
Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to suit dietary needs.
Bacon Lover’s Dream: Stir crispy bacon bits into the cheese sauce for smoky crunch.
Extra Creamy: Stir in cream cheese or mascarpone to bring even more indulgence.

Ultimate Southern Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

How to Make Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling elbow macaroni in salted water just until al dente. This keeps the pasta firm enough to hold up during baking while soaking up that rich cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually add whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then, fold in sharp cheddar, gruyère, dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy, velvety sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the pasta and mix it thoroughly into your cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious, creamy goodness.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter and smoked paprika for flavor. This topping will add a satisfying crunch once baked.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Pro Tips for Making Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Use Sharp Cheddar: It packs a deeper flavor than mild cheddar and won’t get lost in the sauce.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta prevents mushiness after baking.
Make Ahead of Time: Assemble in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time.
Customize the Crunch: Try panko breadcrumbs for extra texture or crushed crackers for a unique topping.
Let It Rest: Allow baked mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes to set for easier serving.

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a vibrant green pop and a subtle freshness that balances the richness.

Side Dishes

Pair it with classic Southern sides such as collard greens, cornbread, or fried green tomatoes for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in individual ramekins for charming single portions, or layer with crispy onions on top for a restaurant-style touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Southern Baked Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully—place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals down the road.

Reheating

To reheat, bake covered with foil at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, then uncover to crisp up the topping once again.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses for Southern Baked Mac & Cheese?

Absolutely! Cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or fontina work well, but sharp cheddar and gruyère remain the classic combo for best flavor and melting.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the basic recipe is vegetarian, but if you add bacon or meat toppings, make sure to omit those or choose vegetarian substitutes.

How can I make Southern Baked Mac & Cheese creamier?

Stirring in cream cheese or adding a splash of heavy cream to the sauce will produce an extra creamy texture.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the dish a day before baking and refrigerate it, then bake right before serving.

What is the best way to prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven, preventing mushy results.

Final Thoughts

Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is truly the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm embrace from the South, complete with gooey cheese and golden, crunchy topping. Easy to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or special gatherings with loved ones. So grab your ingredients, follow this recipe, and get ready to savor every delicious bite!

Southern Baked Mac & Cheese

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern
Diet: Vegetarian (optional variations)

Print Recipe

Description

Southern Baked Mac & Cheese is a warm, hearty comfort food combining creamy cheese sauces with tender elbow macaroni, baked until golden and bubbly. This classic Southern soul food dish offers rich, velvety layers of sharp cheddar and gruyère cheeses, enhanced with Dijon mustard and finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for family dinners, cozy nights, or special occasions.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the elbow macaroni in salted water just until al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture during baking while absorbing the rich cheese sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Then fold in the sharp cheddar, gruyère, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper, stirring until the cheeses fully melt into a creamy, velvety sauce.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta well and mix it thoroughly into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the luscious creamy mixture.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika if using. This mixture will provide a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta when baked.
Bake Until Golden: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Notes

Use Sharp Cheddar: Provides a deeper, more pronounced flavor than mild cheddar, ensuring the cheese taste stands out.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy once baked.
Make Ahead of Time: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate before baking to save time during meal prep.
Customize the Crunch: Substitute panko breadcrumbs for extra texture or crushed crackers for a unique twist on the topping.
Let It Rest: Allow the baked mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after baking to set for easier serving.