Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you in warmth and bursts with cheesy goodness, look no further than this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. This classic soul food favorite is everything you want in a dish—creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection with a crispy, bubbly top that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with velvety cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and that special Southern touch that makes macaroni and cheese feel like a hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, staple ingredients is the first step to mastering this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from creating the creamy sauce to adding richness, texture, and that deep cheese flavor you adore.

• 4 cups dry elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
• 3 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness and helps create the roux for the cheese sauce.
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to each bite of macaroni.
• 2 cups whole milk: The base liquid that turns into a creamy, smooth sauce.
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness provides the bold, tangy flavor that defines the dish.
• 6 eggs: Bind the macaroni and cheese together, making it nice and custardy when baked.
• 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, making them shine.
• Additional 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for layering): Creates those irresistible cheesy layers that brown perfectly on top.

How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature to bake the macaroni and cheese so it cooks through evenly and the top gets that lovely golden crisp.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

Boil your 4 cups of dry elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just tender. Then, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process—this helps maintain perfect texture in the bake.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Using the same pot to keep things simple, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low to medium heat. Once fully melted, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. Stir and cook this roux for about 3 minutes to cook away the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce base.

Step 4: Add Milk and Thicken

Slowly pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly. Keep the heat low to avoid lumps or curdling, and let the mixture simmer until it thickens, turning into a smooth, creamy base.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Remove the pot from heat and stir in 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. This step is where the deep cheese flavor really shines, making every forkful luscious.

Step 6: Combine Macaroni with Sauce

Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every noodle is coated with that velvety goodness. This is the heart of the Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe—creamy pasta that tastes amazing.

Step 7: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together 6 eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until smooth. Add this to the macaroni and cheese, stirring thoroughly to combine. The eggs will give your casserole a custardy texture when baked.

Step 8: Layer and Assemble

Pour half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 13×9-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the first layer. Then, add the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture, topping with the last 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. These cheese layers create that signature golden crust.

Step 9: Bake Covered

Cover your casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Covering helps keep moisture in, making the casserole creamy and preventing the top from drying out too soon.

Step 10: Bake Uncovered until Golden

Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes. This step lets the top turn a stunning golden brown and encourages that crispy, cheesy layer everyone loves.

Step 11: Check for Doneness

Insert a knife into the center of the casserole. If it comes out clean without runny liquid, your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed.

Step 12: Serve Warm

Let your casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve it warm and watch how quickly it disappears at the table!

How to Serve Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top adds vibrant color and a hint of flavor contrast. For a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions make a magical finish.

Side Dishes

This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with fresh green beans, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. For a hearty meal, serve alongside fried chicken or glazed ham for true Southern comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins for personal casseroles. Or, turn leftovers into a flavorful macaroni and cheese stuffed bell pepper or baked potato topping to impress with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 4 days, ready for a quick reheat that tastes almost as good as fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze this macaroni and cheese before baking—cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months, making it perfect for easy meals later on.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy texture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses in this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic, feel free to mix in cheeses like gouda, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavors and textures.

What can I do if I don’t have whole milk?

You can substitute with 2% or even half-and-half for an even creamier result. Just avoid skim milk as it won’t provide the same richness.

Is it necessary to use eggs in this recipe?

Yes, the eggs help bind the casserole and give it that custardy, sliceable texture that distinguishes baked macaroni and cheese from stovetop versions.

Can I double this recipe for larger gatherings?

Definitely! Just use a larger casserole dish or two dishes and adjust baking times accordingly. Covering and uncovering as described will still work well.

How do I get a crispy top on my baked macaroni and cheese?

The key is layering cheese on top and baking uncovered at the end. For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the final bake.

Final Thoughts

This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is a treasure that combines simplicity with incredible flavor, making it a dish you’ll turn to time and again. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need that cozy, cheesy comfort food fix. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite side or main dish!

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