When it comes to comfort food, Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese stands tall as one of the all-time favorites. This creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked dish is a crowd-pleaser at all the get-togethers. If you’ve been searching for a recipe that brings all the cheesy goodness you crave, you’ve found it. Now, let’s talk about the details that create the most irresistible, baked mac and cheeseeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

What’s the Difference from Regular Macaroni and Cheese?

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of enjoying mac and cheese, you might be wondering what makes Southern macaroni and cheese so special. Let’s take a little look. While both versions share the same base—pasta and cheese—there are a few key differences that set Southern-style mac and cheese apart from the more standard, everyday version. Lemme tell you!

1. Cheese Choices:

Southern mac and cheese typically uses a blend of cheeses to create a rich, layered flavor. Sharp cheddar is a must for its bold taste, often paired with creamier cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby. These cheeses melt beautifully, adding creaminess and depth. In contrast, regular mac and cheese might stick to one type of cheese, such as American or mild cheddar, which results in a more straightforward, less complex flavor profile.

2. Creaminess vs. Texture:

Southern-style mac and cheese is known for its ultra-creamy, thick cheese sauce, often made with a combination of whole milk and heavy cream, which gives it that luxurious, velvety texture. The sauce is thickened with a roux (butter and flour), creating a smooth consistency that coats every bite. Regular mac and cheese can sometimes have a thinner, less creamy sauce, especially if it’s made quickly on the stovetop or with just a few ingredients.

3. Seasonings:

Southern mac and cheese tends to be heavily seasoned to bring out bold flavors. Ingredients like mustard powder (or substitute), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and even a pinch of cayenne pepper are often used to elevate the cheese and add depth. This is a key distinction from regular mac and cheese, which tends to be simpler in seasoning relying primarily on salt, pepper, and the natural flavor of the cheese.

4. Oven-Baked:

Here’s where Southern mac and cheese truly shines: baking. The dish is assembled and baked in the oven, which gives it a signature crispy, golden-brown crust on top. This baked layer adds a delightful crunch that contrasts with the smooth, cheesy interior. Regular mac and cheese, especially the stovetop variety, is often served straight from the pot, without the crispy, golden, beautiful, baked topping.

In summary, Southern mac and cheese takes everything up a notch. The end result of Southern mac and cheese is a creamy, luscious dish with a crispy, golden top. It’s hearty, rich, and perfect for a crowd. Regular mac and cheese, while delicious, is a much simpler, faster, easy to prepare, go-to meal.

Tips for the Best Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese

Use a mix of cheeses: Combining sharp cheddar with a creamier cheese, like Monterey Jack, gives the dish the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess.
Don’t skimp on the seasonings: The key to amazing mac and cheese is in the seasoning. Make sure to season the cheese sauce well.
Make it ahead: Prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time. To do so, simply assemble the dish, cover it, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake!
Add-ins: To make it even more enhanced, get creative with add-ins like your choice of meat, peppers for a bit of heat, or even some sautéed onions for extra flavor.

Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese is the epitome of comfort food, and this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that beautiful, crispy topping everyone loves. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a feast, this dish should have a special place on the table.

May the LORD bless your hands as you prepare, your table as you gather, and your food as you eat.
Amen!

From my table to yours,

Print Recipe

Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy, crispy golden topped crust classic. With a perfect blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish every time!

Total Time1

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Homestyle, Southern

Keyword: Baked Mac and Cheese, Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese, Southern Mac and Cheese

Servings: 6 servings

Author: Dey | Touching Tables

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded from block
2 cups monterey jack cheese shredded from block
2 cups whole milk preferably; or any milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
salt to taste
garlic powder to taste
onion powder to taste
paprika to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter melted; for topping

Instructions

Cook the Macaroni:

Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce:

In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Add the flour and whisk to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 2 minutes. .
Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly.
Let it thicken for 5 minutes.

Add the Cheese and Seasonings:

Stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
Add mustard and seasonings to taste. Mix well.

Combine:

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.

Prepare for Baking:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the top.

Bake:

Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy your rich, cheesy, and perfectly baked Southern macaroni and cheese!

Notes

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