Paula Deen's Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe - Easy & Delicious

Paula Deen's baked mac and cheese is a beloved Southern classic that stands out for its creamy texture, rich cheese flavor, and crispy topping. This article covers everything you need to know about making her famous dish, including key ingredients like sharp cheddar and eggs for custard-like consistency, step-by-step instructions for perfect results, and tips for customizing with different cheeses, add-ins, and toppings. You'll also find serving suggestions, storage tips, and answers to common questions about this comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe.

Who is Paula Deen and why her baked mac and cheese stands out

Paula Deen is a well-known American chef, TV personality, and cookbook author.

She gained fame for her Southern-style cooking and warm personality on shows like "Paula's Home Cooking" and "Paula's Best Dishes."

Her baked mac and cheese recipe is a fan favorite because it combines simple ingredients with rich, comforting flavors.

What makes her version special is the perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy, buttery topping.

Why Paula Deen's recipe is unique

• Uses a mix of sharp cheddar and mild cheeses for depth of flavor
• Includes eggs for a custard-like texture that sets it apart
• Features a buttery breadcrumb topping for added crunch
• Simple ingredients that are easy to find in any grocery store

Her recipe has become a go-to for home cooks looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing dish.

Many fans appreciate how she takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with her signature Southern touch.

Whether for holidays, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, Paula Deen's baked mac and cheese delivers consistent, delicious results.

Key ingredients for Paula Deen's baked mac and cheese recipe

Paula Deen's baked mac and cheese recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, comforting dish.

Main ingredients

• Elbow macaroni - the classic pasta shape for mac and cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese - provides bold, tangy flavor
• Mild cheddar cheese - balances the sharpness with creaminess
• Butter - essential for both the sauce and topping
• All-purpose flour - thickens the cheese sauce
• Milk - creates the creamy base
• Eggs - give the dish its signature custard-like texture
• Salt and pepper - basic seasoning

For the topping

• Breadcrumbs - provide crunchy texture
• Melted butter - helps crisp up the topping

The combination of sharp and mild cheddar creates perfect flavor balance while eggs make the dish extra creamy.

Simple seasonings let the cheese flavor shine through in this classic Southern-style recipe.

Step-by-step instructions to make the perfect dish

Prep work

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish
• Cook 8 oz elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente
• Drain pasta and set aside

Make the cheese sauce

• Melt 4 tbsp butter in a large saucepan over medium heat
• Whisk in 4 tbsp flour to create a roux
• Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk until smooth
• Cook 3-5 minutes until thickened
• Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup mild cheddar until melted
• Season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp pepper

Combine and bake

• In a large bowl, beat 2 eggs
• Slowly mix in the cheese sauce
• Add cooked macaroni and stir gently to combine
• Pour mixture into prepared baking dish
• Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter
• Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top
• Bake 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving

For extra crispiness, broil 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.

The dish is done when the top is golden brown and the center is set but still slightly jiggly.

Tips for customizing your baked mac and cheese

Cheese variations

• Swap half the cheddar for Gruyère or Monterey Jack
• Add ½ cup Parmesan for extra depth
• Use pepper jack for a spicy kick
• Mix in ½ cup cream cheese for ultra-creamy texture

Add-ins

• Cooked bacon bits for smoky flavor
• Diced ham or shredded chicken for protein
• Sautéed onions or shallots for sweetness
• Steamed broccoli or peas for veggies
• Diced jalapeños for heat

Topping ideas

• Crushed Ritz crackers instead of breadcrumbs
• Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• Mix in grated Parmesan with breadcrumbs
• Add crushed potato chips for salty crunch

Seasoning boosts

• Add ½ tsp garlic powder to cheese sauce
• Mix in ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard for tang
• Add pinch of cayenne for heat

For extra richness, substitute half the milk with heavy cream or evaporated milk.

To make ahead, assemble dish and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Serving suggestions and storage tips

Serving ideas

• Pair with grilled chicken or fried chicken for a complete meal
• Serve alongside collard greens and cornbread for Southern-style dinner
• Add a simple green salad to balance the richness
• Great as a side dish for holiday meals like Thanksgiving or Christmas
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings

Storage tips

• Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator up to 3 days
• Reheat individual portions in microwave 1-2 minutes
• For larger amounts, reheat in 350°F oven 15-20 minutes covered
• Freeze unbaked dish up to 1 month (thaw overnight before baking)
• Freeze baked leftovers up to 2 months (reheat from frozen)

For best texture when reheating, add a splash of milk and cover with foil to prevent drying.

The dish tastes even better the next day as flavors meld together.