Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese 🧀🍝✨
Creamy, baked, and soulfully delicious, this Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish — rich, cheesy, and full of down-home flavor. Made with layers of gooey cheese and a custard-style sauce, it’s baked until golden brown on top and creamy in the center — the kind of mac and cheese that warms your soul and steals the show at every meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or Colby cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente, then drain and set aside (it will continue to cook in the oven).
2. Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Cheese:
In a bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then whisk a few tablespoons of the warm sauce into them to temper (so they don’t scramble). Stir the egg mixture back into the sauce. Add 2 ½ cups of cheddar and all of the Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked macaroni, then pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Repeat with remaining pasta and sauce. Top with the reserved cheddar and Parmesan cheese for that golden, bubbly finish.
5. Bake:
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the top is browned and crisp at the edges. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving — the sauce will thicken beautifully as it cools slightly.
Tips for Perfect Southern Mac & Cheese
- Use block cheese and shred it yourself — it melts creamier than pre-shredded varieties.
- The eggs give it that traditional custard-style texture, so don’t skip them!
- Add a dash of hot sauce or dry mustard powder for a subtle flavor boost.
Serving Ideas
This Southern classic pairs perfectly with fried chicken, collard greens, barbecue ribs, or even roasted vegetables. It’s a staple for Sunday dinners, holidays, and potlucks — guaranteed to disappear fast!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~480 kcal | Protein: 20g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 30g
Conclusion
The Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese is everything you want in comfort food — rich, creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection. With its custard-like filling and soul-satisfying flavor, it’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and pure joy to every bite. One taste, and you’ll know why it’s a Southern tradition that never goes out of style.