Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is deeply comforting, crowd-pleasing, and rooted in classic Southern cooking. It has a creamy interior, a lightly crisp top, and bold cheese flavor that stands on its own without needing extras.
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Southern Baked Cheese and Mac: A Rich, Creamy Classic with True Down-Home Comfort
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy Southern-style baked mac and cheese made with multiple cheeses and baked until golden and bubbly, perfect for holidays and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, heavy cream, eggs, melted butter, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir in half of the shredded cheeses.
- Add the cooked macaroni and mix until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheeses.
- Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden and the center is set.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best texture.
- You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Letting it rest helps the mac and cheese firm up.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Elbow macaroni
Creates the traditional base and holds the creamy custard beautifully.
Sharp cheddar cheese
Provides bold, tangy flavor that defines Southern mac and cheese.
Colby Jack or mild cheddar cheese
Balances sharpness and melts smoothly into the dish.
Butter
Adds richness and moisture throughout the casserole.
Whole milk
Creates a creamy texture without thinning the custard.
Heavy cream
Adds indulgent richness and depth to the baked mac.
Eggs
Bind the mixture and create the signature Southern baked texture.
Salt
Enhances the cheese flavor and balances richness.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth without overpowering.
Paprika
Contributes subtle smokiness and classic Southern color.
Garlic powder
Enhances savory depth without dominating the dish.
Directions
Begin by cooking the macaroni in generously salted water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside. Preheat the oven and generously butter a baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, eggs, melted butter, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until fully combined. Stir in a portion of the shredded cheeses, reserving some for layering and topping.
Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture and gently stir until evenly coated. Pour half of the mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, then add the remaining macaroni mixture. Finish with the rest of the cheese on top.
Bake uncovered until the center is set and the top is golden brown. Allow the mac and cheese to rest briefly before serving to let it firm up slightly while remaining creamy inside.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 6–8
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 40–45 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 10 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven covered with foil to prevent drying, or microwave individual portions with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Freezing is not recommended, as the egg-based custard may change texture.
Variations and Customizations
Five-Cheese Southern Mac
Add mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda for extra richness.
Smoked Mac and Cheese
Use smoked cheddar or add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
Baked Mac with Bacon
Fold in crispy bacon pieces for smoky crunch.
Spicy Southern Mac
Add cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
Soul Food-Style Mac
Use evaporated milk instead of cream for classic texture.
Herb-Infused Mac
Add thyme or parsley for subtle freshness.
Extra Creamy Version
Increase cream slightly for softer texture.
Crunchy Top Mac
Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Ham and Cheese Mac
Add diced cooked ham for a hearty upgrade.
Skillet-to-Oven Mac
Prepare entirely in a cast-iron skillet for rustic appeal.
FAQs
Is Southern mac and cheese different from regular mac and cheese?
Yes, it’s baked with eggs and milk, creating a custard-like texture.
Should the mac be creamy or firm?
It should be creamy inside but fully set, not soupy.
Can I skip the eggs?
Eggs are essential for authentic Southern-style structure.
Why use whole milk and cream?
They provide richness and proper consistency.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then bake before serving.
Why is my mac dry?
Overbaking or not enough liquid can cause dryness.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Freshly shredded melts better, but pre-shredded can work.
Should I cover it while baking?
Bake uncovered for a golden top.
Can I add mustard?
A small amount enhances cheese flavor subtly.
Is this a main dish or side?
It works beautifully as either.
Conclusion
Southern Baked Cheese and Mac is a timeless comfort dish that delivers rich flavor, creamy texture, and deep-rooted tradition in every serving. With its custard-style interior and golden cheesy top, it stands apart from everyday mac and cheese and earns its place at the heart of any meal. Whether for holidays, family dinners, or special gatherings, this recipe brings warmth, nostalgia, and unmistakable Southern soul to the table.
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