Best Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

This article explores the history of Southern mac and cheese from Jefferson's time to soul food staple, lists key ingredients like cheese blends and custard elements, provides step-by-step baking instructions, shares expert tips to perfect texture, and suggests variations plus pairings.

Discover the history and soul food roots of Southern mac and cheese.

Thomas Jefferson popularized mac and cheese in America after trying it in Europe.

He served it at a state dinner in 1802.

This made the best Southern mac and cheese recipe a hit as an affordable meal.

Colonial and Early Roots

Macaroni pie recipes appeared in 18th century cookbooks.

Elizabeth Raffald shared one in 1769 with Parmesan cheese.

Cooks adapted European pasta dishes with local cheese.

Southern Soul Food Evolution

In the South African American cooks turned it into baked custard style.

They used sharp cheddar eggs and evaporated milk for creaminess.

This created the rich texture in the best Southern mac and cheese recipe.

Today the best Southern mac and cheese recipe shines at family gatherings.

Check out our best mac and cheese recipe for more inspiration.

Learn the key ingredients that make the best Southern mac and cheese creamy.

The best Southern mac and cheese recipe uses a cheese blend for rich flavor.

Sharp cheddar gives bold taste.

Monterey Jack adds creaminess.

Mozzarella brings stretch and melt.

Cheese Blend Breakdown

Custard Secrets

Eggs bind everything for pudding-like texture.

Evaporated milk adds richness no wateriness.

Whole milk balances it out.

• 2 large eggs - sets the creamy custard
• 12 oz evaporated milk - thick creamy liquid
• 1 cup whole milk - smooth flow

Butter and flour make roux for sauce base.

Mustard powder boosts cheesiness.

Shred fresh cheese avoid pre-shredded for no graininess.

Learn more on best cheeses for mac and cheese.

Follow step-by-step instructions for baking the ultimate Southern mac and cheese.

This best Southern mac and cheese recipe serves 8-10.

Use 16 oz elbow macaroni.

Cook the Pasta

• Boil macaroni in salted water 1 min less than package says.
• Drain.
• Rinse cold to stop cooking but not too much.

Make Cheese Sauce

• Melt 4 tbsp butter med heat.
• Whisk 3 tbsp flour cook 1-2 min golden.
• Slow add 12 oz evap milk 1 cup whole milk 1 tsp mustard powder 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne salt pepper.
• Cook til thick 5 min.
• Whisk 2 eggs separate add 1 cup hot sauce to temper then mix back.
• Low heat add 3c sharp cheddar 2c Monterey Jack 1c mozz stir melt smooth.

Assemble and Bake

• Mix pasta in sauce.
• Put greased 9x13 dish.
• Top extra cheese or breadcrumbs opt.
• Cover foil bake 350F 25 min.
• Uncover bake 10-15 min bubbly golden.
• Rest 10 min.

Shred cheese fresh for best Southern mac and cheese recipe.

See best baked mac and cheese recipe for more.

Apply expert tips to avoid mistakes and get perfect texture.

These tips nail the best Southern mac and cheese recipe texture.

Cheese Tips

• Blend sharp cheddar Monterey Jack mozzarella for flavor melt.
• Shred fresh cheese pre-shredded makes grainy sauce.
• Melt low slow high heat breaks proteins.

Pasta and Sauce Secrets

• Undercook pasta 1 min less absorbs sauce in oven.
• Salt pasta water heavy seasons noodles inside.
• Temper eggs with hot sauce prevents curdling.
• Sauce coats spoon pourable adjust milk if needed.

Baking Pro Moves

• Cover foil first 25 min stops drying.
• Broil 1-2 min end for crisp top watch close.
• Rest 10 min sets custard slices clean.

Explore variations, pairings, and modern twists on Southern mac and cheese.

Upgrade the best Southern mac and cheese recipe with these ideas.

Classic Variations

• Extra cheesy add Gouda Gruyere cream cheese Parmesan.
• Smoky BBQ mix pulled pork brisket BBQ drizzle.
• Lobster fold cooked lobster buttery breadcrumbs top.

Dietary Twists

• Gluten free use gf elbows cornstarch roux.
• Lighter low fat cheese skim milk Greek yogurt.
• Vegetarian veg broth no meat.

Regional Flavors

Pairings

Rich best Southern mac and cheese pairs best with tangy sides like coleslaw.