Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy, Cozy, and So Cheesy

As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the kitchen, the rich aroma of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese fills the air. This beloved comfort dish always brings back memories of family gatherings, where laughter mingles with the cheesy scent wafting from the oven. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy blanket, wrapping you in its delicious warmth. Let me take you through making this classic recipe that’s been a staple in my family for years.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make: Perfect for weekends or busy weeknights!
• Comforting homemade flavor: Every bite is creamy and cheesy goodness.
• Made with simple ingredients: You might already have everything you need.
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday feast, it fits right in!
• Always a crowd-pleaser: Watch as everyone goes back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (Use unsalted to control the salt to your liking)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (This adds that extra creaminess)
• 2 cups half-and-half (Dreamy richness!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (A little kick)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for some heat)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (An unexpected depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (For a subtle tanginess)
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour (Helps thicken the cheese sauce)
• 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Classic choice!)
• 1 cup shredded manchego cheese (For a lovely nutty flavor)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (Creamy bliss!)
• 8 cups water (For boiling the pasta)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt (To season the water)
• 1 pound elbow macaroni (Perfect shape for holding all that cheese)
• 2 large eggs, beaten (Adds richness and helps bind)
• 1/2-1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Optional, brings a smoky flavor)

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats up, take a moment to prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by greasing it with 2 tablespoons of butter. The smell of the butter as it melts always makes me feel at home.
2. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cream, half-and-half, and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. As it warms, you’ll notice the comforting aroma; it’s the perfect start to the best Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
3. Season it up! Add in the black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and mustard. Then, gradually whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no lumps. This is your creamy cheese base, so keep it smooth and cook until it thickens slightly.
4. Cheesy goodness: Next, whisk in the cheddar, manchego, and Gruyere. Let the cheese melt into a beautiful, silky sauce over low heat. A ladle of this sauce will feel like a warm hug when you pour it over the pasta.
5. Meanwhile, in a stockpot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and stir in the coarse salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, which usually takes about 8 minutes. Once done, drain and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.
6. Combine: Mix in the beaten eggs with the cooked pasta. Then, pour that delicious cheese sauce over everything and stir well. If you love a bit of flavor, now’s the time to sprinkle with smoked paprika.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and bubbly. Keep an eye on it because those golden edges are simply irresistible! Once done, let it cool for 10 minutes before serving — it’s hard to resist diving in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving trick: You can cook the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce a day ahead. Just assemble it before baking!
• Fixing mistakes: If the cheese sauce seems too thick, whisk in a little more half-and-half until it’s creamy again.
• Flavor twist: Mix in some cooked bacon or sautéed veggies for a delicious variation!

Serving Ideas

The best way to serve your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is straight from the oven to the table. It’s perfect for family dinners or festive holidays, and it pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or a fresh garden salad. You can also garnish it with fresh herbs or additional smoked paprika for that extra flair. Just envision everyone gathered ‘round the table, digging into this comforting dish and sharing great memories — that’s the joy of home cooking!

Storing & Leftovers

• To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Cover it with foil in the oven to keep the moisture, or add a splash of milk in the microwave to prevent it from drying out.
• Leftover idea: Get creative! Use leftover mac and cheese as a filling in stuffed peppers or turn it into a creamy pasta salad.

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy comfort dish that’s perfect for any occasion, made with simple ingredients and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pasta and Cheese Sauce Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni Perfect shape for holding all that cheese
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided Use unsalted to control the salt to your liking
• 1/2 cup heavy cream This adds that extra creaminess
• 2 cups half-and-half Dreamy richness!
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper A little kick
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for some heat
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg An unexpected depth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard For a subtle tanginess
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour Helps thicken the cheese sauce
• 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Classic choice!
• 1 cup shredded manchego cheese For a lovely nutty flavor
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese Creamy bliss!
• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt To season the water
• 2 large eggs, beaten Adds richness and helps bind
• 1/2-1 teaspoon smoked paprika Optional, brings a smoky flavor

Water

• 8 cups water For boiling the pasta

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with 2 tablespoons of butter.
2. In a heavy saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the cream, half-and-half, and the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter.
3. Add in the black pepper, red pepper flakes, nutmeg, and mustard. Gradually whisk in the flour to create a smooth mixture.
4. Whisk in the cheddar, manchego, and Gruyere cheeses until melted and smooth.
5. In a stockpot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil and stir in the coarse salt. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
6. Drain the macaroni and transfer it to the prepared baking dish.

Assembly and Baking

1. Mix the beaten eggs into the cooked pasta. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir well.
2. If desired, sprinkle with smoked paprika.
3. Bake in the oven for about 40 minutes until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can prepare the pasta and cheese sauce a day ahead. If the cheese sauce is too thick, whisk in more half-and-half. You can also mix in cooked bacon or sautéed veggies for variations.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Cooking Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is more than just preparing a meal; it’s a way to bring friends and family together and create lasting memories. It represents comfort, love, and simplicity, reminding us of those times we spent around the dinner table. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own with personal touches. After all, creating this delicious dish is a heartfelt experience, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy your homemade Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese!

More Resources

If you enjoyed this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, here are more cozy comfort dishes and trusted kitchen reads you’ll love:

From SmartCookRecipes.com

• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole – creamy, nutty, and perfect alongside mac and cheese.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes – a hearty one-pan dinner that pairs beautifully with cheesy sides.
• Homemade Artisan Bread – bake up a golden loaf to serve with that cheesy goodness.
• Slow Cooker Herb-Crusted Chicken in Creamy Garlic Sauce – tender chicken that melts in your mouth, just like grandma’s.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce Steak – rich, comforting, and perfect for family-style dinners.
• Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bread – a sweet finish to your cozy Southern meal.

Trusted Sources Around the Web

• Bon Appétit – The Science of Perfect Mac and Cheese – expert-tested tips for achieving the creamiest bake.
• USDA MyPlate – Smart Dairy Choices for Healthy Comfort Foods – official guidance on incorporating cheese and milk the wholesome way.