Name: Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (plus more for baking dish); 1 large egg (beaten, room temperature); 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk; 1 cup whole milk (room temperature); 8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese (good quality); 12 oz mild cheddar cheese (or another mild cheese like monterey jack, fontina, colby jack, or gouda); 8 oz mascarpone cheese (room temperature); 1½ tsp. salt (or to taste (taste mixture before adding egg)); 1 tsp cajun or creole seasoning; ½ tsp dry mustard powder (or 1 teaspoon dijon mustard); ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg; fresh cracked pepper (for topping)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for the true heart and soul of comfort food, let me introduce you to the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. This isn’t your everyday mac and cheese—it’s rich, creamy, irresistibly cheesy, and features an unforgettable golden crust that all but begs you to dig in. Chock-full of flavor and nostalgia, every forkful of this baked beauty delivers a perfect balance of lush mascarpone, tangy cheddar, and just the right amount of spice. Whether gracing your holiday table or making a weeknight extra special, this is the recipe you’ll want to share (or maybe keep as your own secret weapon).

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need an overflowing pantry for this showstopper. Each ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, building layers of flavor, velvety texture, and that signature sunset-orange hue. Here’s what you’ll gather to bring the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese to life:

Elbow Macaroni: Classic shape that holds onto creamy sauce beautifully for that perfect bite every time.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and ensures your noodles don’t stick together while making the base full of flavor.
Large Egg: Brings everything together, giving the casserole its signature custardy hold while staying luscious.
Evaporated Milk: Provides concentrated creamy taste and helps resist curdling in the oven for smoothness.
Whole Milk: Keeps things silky and balances richness for that dreamy sauce.
Extra-sharp White Cheddar Cheese: This bold cheddar is the flavor cornerstone—go for a good quality block and grate it fresh!
Mild Cheddar Cheese (or Alternative): Balances the sharpness and melts into an oozy, stretchy blanket; feel free to use Monterey Jack, Fontina, Colby Jack, or Gouda here.
Mascarpone Cheese: Secret weapon alert! Makes the sauce extra creamy and slightly sweet—let it come to room temp before using.
Salt: A crucial flavor booster—always taste before adding the egg to find your perfect seasoning level.
Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Lends subtle Southern heat and depth that makes this dish unforgettable.
Dry Mustard Powder (or Dijon Mustard): Amplifies the cheese flavor and adds a hint of tang.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch gives the sauce unexpected warmth and complexity.
Fresh Cracked Pepper: For topping—makes the dish pop and gives each bite a lively finish.

How to Make Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Either butter a 3-quart casserole dish or a 9×13 pan, or give it a good spray with cooking spray. Prepping your dish ahead means easy cleanup and helps guarantee that coveted crispy edges everyone fights over. Set your dish aside—you’ll be filling it with creamy macaroni magic in just a few minutes.

Step 2: Boil the Macaroni

Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to package directions, but here’s the Southern secret: add about two more minutes to the maximum time, aiming for super tender noodles (usually about 12 minutes total). Drain thoroughly, then stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter while everything’s still warm. The noodles not only get silky, but they’re also less likely to clump together, making blending later a breeze.

Step 3: Shred the Cheese

Grab your cheeses and either a trusty box grater or a food processor. There’s real payoff in grating cheese fresh—it melts silkier and doesn’t have the additives you’ll find in pre-shredded. Mix together your sharp white cheddar and mild cheese of choice so you get an even melt and flavor in every bite. This is what transforms this casserole into the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the mascarpone and evaporated milk first—the mixture gets ultra-creamy (a few lumps are totally fine!). Then whisk in whole milk, salt, Cajun or Creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Each ingredient brings depth and a touch of zing to the custard, ensuring your mac and cheese never tastes flat.

Step 5: Mix It Together

Add your buttered macaroni to the bowl with the creamy base and stir gently. Next, fold in about half of your shredded cheese mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated and irresistible. This is your time to taste—adjust salt or spice to your liking. Once satisfied, stir in the beaten egg; this step is just before assembly so the egg doesn’t start cooking too soon.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Spoon half the macaroni mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese blend on top, ensuring a cheesy middle in every slice. Top with the rest of the macaroni mixture, then finish with the last layer of cheese. For a flavorful finish, crack some black pepper over the top. Slide the dish into the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and gloriously melted. Want a deeply golden top? Pop it under the broiler for 2–3 minutes, watching closely. Let the pan cool about 15 minutes before serving so it holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Just before serving, consider a light shower of fresh herbs like chives or parsley for color and a whisper of freshness. Some folks love a classic sprinkle of extra black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra kick. And don’t forget—those crispy, melty cheese edges are fair game for a little extra crunch or cheese dust.

Side Dishes

The Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese plays well with so many sides! Classic collard greens, tangy coleslaw, slow-cooked green beans, or even a crisp garden salad can cut through the richness. Want to go all out? Pair it with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or honey-glazed ham for a dreamy Southern spread.

Creative Ways to Present

You’re only limited by your imagination here. Try baking individual portions in ramekins for elegant dinner parties or cozying up a serving in a mini cast iron skillet for pure Southern charm. Leftover squares can even go into lunchboxes (hot or cold), or get sandwiched into a grilled cheese for a double dose of cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep them fresh by scooping the mac and cheese into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. The custard and cheese keep the pasta wonderfully creamy, even reheated.

Freezing

This Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Cool the casserole completely, then wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze it for up to 2 months; just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, cover and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (usually 20–25 minutes for a full pan, or less for small portions). If it seems a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of milk before covering. You can also microwave single servings, but the oven is your best bet for restoring that lovely, melty texture.

FAQs

How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?

Always grate your cheese from a block and be sure to mix it into hot, but not boiling, macaroni. Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than anything pre-shredded, and the gentle heat prevents clumping or breaking.

Can I use different cheeses in this recipe?

Absolutely! While the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is magical with sharp and mild cheddars, feel free to swap in Monterey Jack, Fontina, Colby Jack, or even smoked Gouda for new flavor spins. Combining a few favorites is encouraged!

What makes this recipe “Southern”?

It’s all about that custardy sauce, soulful spices, and a hearty, oven-baked finish. The combination of evaporated milk, whole milk, mascarpone, and a touch of Creole or Cajun seasoning is what truly delivers classic Southern vibes.

Why do I need to rest the mac and cheese before serving?

Giving the casserole about 15 minutes to cool lets the cheesy custard set, so you get perfect, sliceable pieces rather than a runny pool. Plus, the flavor deepens as it rests. Trust me—it’s worth the wait!

Can I make the Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble it fully, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready, allow it to come to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Final Thoughts

If you love a soul-satisfying, over-the-top cheesy classic, you owe it to yourself (and your people!) to try this Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Every bite is warm, comforting, and unforgettable, perfect for celebrations, holidays, or any day you need something truly special. Can’t wait to hear how much you enjoy it!

Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 11 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this recipe for the best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese. Creamy and flavorful, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Instructions

Prep: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart casserole dish or 9×13 pan with butter or spray with cooking spray.
Cook macaroni: Cook macaroni in unsalted water according to package directions, adding 2 minutes to the maximum time listed on the package. Drain and stir butter into macaroni until melted.
Shred cheese: While macaroni is boiling, shred cheese blocks using a box grater or food processor. Combine shredded cheese varieties until evenly mixed.
Whisk: In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth. Mix in the milk, salt, creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg.
Combine ingredients: Add buttered macaroni to the bowl, followed by half of the cheese. Taste and adjust seasonings, then stir in beaten egg.
Layer and bake: Pour half of the mixture into a baking dish, top with half of the remaining cheese, then repeat with the rest of the mixture and cheese. Sprinkle cracked pepper on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.