Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

The crispy, golden-brown crust gives way to a gloriously gooey interior in this Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe. This isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s a cherished Southern tradition that transforms simple ingredients into a decadent, soul-warming dish that commands center stage at family gatherings. The magic lies in the perfect balance of creamy sauce and tender pasta, baked until bubbling perfection. You’ll learn how to create authentic Southern mac and cheese with that signature custard-like texture that sets it apart from ordinary versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is the comfort food gold standard that delivers on every level. The contrast between the crunchy top layer and the velvety cheese sauce underneath creates a textural masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Unlike stovetop versions, this Southern baked mac and cheese develops complex flavor dimensions as it slowly bakes, allowing the cheeses to meld perfectly with the subtle hint of spices.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—elegant enough for holiday tables yet simple enough for Sunday suppers. The multi-cheese approach ensures a depth of flavor that store-bought versions simply can’t match. Plus, with just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this impressive casserole in the oven while you focus on the rest of your meal or simply relax with family.

Even better, this southern macaroni cheese casserole can be partially prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for busy hosts who want to impress without the stress.

Ingredients

For this classic Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe, you’ll need:

• 16 oz (454g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp (56g) unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp (32g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (720ml) whole milk, warmed
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 4 cups (16oz/454g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup (4oz/113g) Gruyère or Gouda cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup (4oz/113g) Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tsp dry mustard powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

The sharp cheddar provides that classic tangy flavor, while Gruyère adds nuttiness and superior melting qualities. Always use block cheese and grate it yourself—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Cheese Blend
For authentic southern mac and cheese casserole success, avoid pre-shredded cheese at all costs. These contain anti-caking agents that will make your sauce grainy instead of silky. Instead, buy blocks and grate them yourself just before using. The combination of sharp cheddar (for flavor), Gruyère (for meltability), and Colby Jack (for creaminess) creates the perfect balance, but feel free to customize based on your preference.

Master the Béchamel Base
The foundation of exceptional mac and cheese is a properly made béchamel sauce. Cook the flour and butter together until it smells nutty but remains blonde in color (about 2 minutes). Add warm—not cold—milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This slow addition ensures a silky-smooth base for your cheeses.

Temper Your Eggs Properly
To achieve that signature custard-like texture in authentic Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese, you must temper the eggs correctly. Slowly whisk a small amount of the hot cheese sauce into the beaten eggs before incorporating them back into the mixture. This gradually raises the egg temperature without scrambling them, resulting in that distinctive Southern mac and cheese texture that separates it from other versions.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Grate all your cheeses and set aside, keeping about 1 cup of cheddar separate for the topping. Warm your milk and cream in a saucepan or microwave until just warm, not hot.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Add macaroni to boiling water and cook until just under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so this prevents mushiness. Drain well but do not rinse—the starch helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 3: Create Your Cheese Sauce
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture smells slightly nutty but hasn’t browned. Gradually add the warmed milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Remove pot from heat and stir in seasonings—dry mustard, paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Add most of the cheese, reserving the cup you set aside earlier. Stir until completely melted and smooth.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs
Take about 1/2 cup of the hot cheese sauce and slowly drizzle it into your beaten eggs while whisking vigorously. This tempers the eggs so they don’t scramble. Pour this egg mixture back into the cheese sauce, whisking continuously to incorporate.

Step 6: Combine and Bake
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently until every piece is coated. Transfer to your prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the reserved cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly around the edges and golden brown on top. For an extra-crispy top, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.

Allow your Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving—this sets the custard-like interior for perfect scooping.

Variations

Smoky Bacon Southern Mac and Cheese
Elevate your southern macaroni cheese casserole by adding 8 ounces of cooked, crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture before baking. The smoky notes complement the rich cheese sauce beautifully. For even more depth, replace the paprika with smoked paprika and add 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to the béchamel base.

Spicy Jalapeño Version
For those who enjoy heat, add 2-3 finely diced jalapeños (seeds removed for medium heat, included for extra spice) to the butter before adding flour. You can also incorporate 1 cup of pepper jack cheese as part of your cheese blend. Finish with a topping of buttered panko breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of cayenne for added texture and spice.

Deluxe Seafood Variation
Transform this classic into an upscale entrée by folding in 1 pound of lump crabmeat or cooked lobster chunks after combining the pasta and cheese sauce. Add 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the béchamel, and finish with a topping of buttered breadcrumbs mixed with finely chopped parsley for a special occasion worthy dish.

Storage and Serving

Store any leftover Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results when reheating, add a splash of milk before warming in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes), which helps restore its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving if possible as it can make the casserole oily and uneven.

For serving, pair this southern comfort classic with slow-cooked collard greens and crispy fried chicken for an authentic Southern feast. For a more elegant presentation, serve alongside glazed ham and roasted asparagus. Individual ramekins of this southern macaroni cheese casserole make impressive dinner party starters—just reduce the baking time to about 20 minutes.

Make-ahead tip: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking, and add 10-15 minutes to the original baking time.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Prepare through Step 5, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Before baking, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Why is my sauce grainy instead of smooth?
Graininess usually results from overheating the cheese or using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents. Always remove the pot from heat before adding cheese, and always grate your own cheese from blocks.

Can I freeze this southern mac and cheese casserole?
While possible, freezing isn’t ideal as the texture can become slightly grainy upon thawing. If necessary, freeze in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with additional milk.

What’s the difference between Southern-style and regular mac and cheese?
Southern-style includes eggs for a custard-like texture and is always baked, while regular versions often rely solely on a cheese sauce and are frequently served from the stovetop.

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, cavatappi, shells, or fusilli work well too—just be sure to adjust cooking time to keep them slightly under al dente.

Conclusion

This Baked Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, cheesy masterpiece that bridges generations with its timeless appeal. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary family dinners into memorable gatherings and appears on holiday tables year after year. With its perfect balance of creamy interior and crispy top, this southern classic proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients, when treated with care, create the most extraordinary results. Whether you’re continuing a family tradition or starting one of your own, this recipe delivers the authentic taste of Southern hospitality in every bite.

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