Name: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 2 cups whole milk; ½ cup heavy cream; ¼ cup unsalted butter; 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon paprika

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a warm, cheesy, and downright irresistible dish, Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is about to be your new favorite comfort food. With its creamy interior, rich cheese sauce, and golden, bubbling crust, it's perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or just when you need a little soul food magic. Ready to treat your taste buds to something special? Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Ultra-creamy inside with a golden, cheesy crust on top.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or potlucks.
Easy to prepare ahead and reheat without losing flavor or texture.
Customizable with different cheeses and add-ins to suit your taste.
Classic Southern comfort food that everyone will love!

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half-and-half
4 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping)
Optional: ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Colby Jack for extra cheesiness

How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente (usually about 6 minutes). Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in milk and half-and-half until just warm. Remove from heat and whisk in eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until smooth and creamy. Stir in 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella/Colby Jack if using), mixing until melted.

Step 3: Assemble the Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing gently. Pour into prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the surface, and dust with extra paprika for color.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect creaminess. Learn more about why it matters here.
Don't overcook the pasta—it keeps the final dish creamy and prevents mushiness.
Letting the baked mac and cheese cool slightly helps it set and makes serving easier.

Variations on Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Spicy Southern Mac: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Three-Cheese Blend: Mix in sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack for complex flavor.
Bacon Lover's Version: Stir in ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.

Required Equipment for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Large pot
Saucepan
Large mixing bowl
9x13-inch baking dish
Whisk
Cheese grater

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Storage Instructions

Cool leftovers completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20 minutes, or microwave individual servings until heated through. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating (learn more).

Serving Suggestions for Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Pair with crispy fried chicken, collard greens, or BBQ ribs for a classic Southern meal.
Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.
Delicious as a hearty side or a main dish with cornbread.

Pro Tips for the Best Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Layer your cheese—adding a bit between pasta layers ensures every bite is cheesy. For more cheese tips, visit Cheese.com.
Whisk the eggs into the warm (not hot) milk mixture to prevent scrambling.
Let the dish rest before serving so it holds its shape beautifully when sliced.

FAQ: Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Can I make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time?: Absolutely! Assemble up to one day in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature and bake as directed.
What cheeses melt best for this recipe?: Sharp cheddar is classic, but Gouda, Monterey Jack, and Colby Jack are all great options for melting and flavor.
How do I keep my mac and cheese creamy?: Use whole milk and half-and-half, don’t overbake, and avoid pre-shredded cheese for the creamiest result.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese