Homemade Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe

Start with dry pasta like elbows.

Cook until al dente.

Mix with eggs and milk for a custard base.

Use sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack.

Grate cheese from blocks for best melt.

Add seasonings like mustard powder and paprika.

Layer pasta and cheese in a dish.

Bake at 350 degrees F.

Add butter cracker topping for crunch.

Let it rest before serving.

Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer.

Gather ingredients for creamy southern mac and cheese

Start your homemade southern mac and cheese recipe with dry pasta.

Elbow macaroni is traditional.

Cavatappi holds sauce well too.

Cook pasta until al dente.

It finishes cooking in the oven.

The base matters most.

Southern versions often use eggs and milk.

This mixture sets like a custard.

It keeps the macaroni moist.

Others prefer a béchamel sauce.

Use butter and flour for this.

Whisk in milk slowly to thicken.

Cheese Selection

Select a strong cheese blend.

Sharp cheddar provides deep flavor.

Mild cheddar offers creaminess.

Monterey Jack melts smoothly.

Grate cheese from a block.

Pre-shredded cheese tastes waxy.

Anti-caking agents prevent proper melting.

For extra richness, add Velveeta.

It creates a silky texture.

Sour cream is another option.

It adds a slight tang.

Use a generous amount of cheese.

Layer cheese between noodles.

This ensures flavor in every bite.

Essential Seasonings

Flavor comes from spices.

Don't skip the basics.

• Salt and black pepper
• Dry mustard powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika for color
• Cayenne pepper for heat
• Worcestershire sauce

Crunchy Toppings

Toppings add texture.

Butter crackers like Ritz are popular.

Panko breadcrumbs work well too.

Crush the crackers finely.

Mix crumbs with melted butter.

Sprinkle over the cheese layer.

Bake until golden brown.

Follow steps to bake the perfect macaroni casserole

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish generously with butter. Boil a large pot of salted water. Add elbow macaroni. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain well. Do not rinse the noodles. Starch helps the sauce adhere.

Prepare the Base

Whisk eggs and milk in a large bowl. Add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard. Pour this mixture over the hot, drained pasta. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and coats the noodles evenly.

Assemble Layers

Spoon half the pasta mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with an extra layer of shredded cheese. Add the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the cheese. This layering method ensures maximum flavor in every bite. Pour any remaining egg mixture over the top.

Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil. Bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. The edges should bubble. The top should be golden brown.

• Check that the center is set.
• Ensure internal temp reaches 160 degrees F.
• Cheese should be fully melted.

For a crunchier topping, mix crushed butter crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the mac and cheese before the final 10 minutes of baking.

Remove from oven. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the custard to set.

Select the best cheese blend for rich flavor

Sharp cheddar is the backbone of any homemade southern mac and cheese recipe. It provides the distinct tangy bite expected in Southern cooking. Use extra-sharp cheddar blocks for the strongest flavor. Mild cheddar melts well but lacks depth. A mix of both works best.

The Creamy Melters

Sharp cheddar can become grainy when alone. Pair it with smooth melting cheeses. Monterey Jack adds excellent creaminess without overpowering the dish. Colby Jack offers a mild, sweet flavor that kids love. Gouda introduces a smoky note. Gruyere adds a nutty richness. These cheeses ensure the sauce stays velvety.

The Southern Secret

Many Southern cooks use processed cheese. Velveeta or American cheese prevents oil separation. It creates a silky, stable sauce. This ingredient is key for that "soul food" texture. Combine it with natural cheeses for the best results.

Preparation Tips

Always grate cheese yourself. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents. These preservatives prevent smooth melting. Buy blocks and shred them fresh. Mix the cheeses together before adding to the sauce. This distributes the flavor evenly. Try a 7 cheese macaroni and cheese blend for a special occasion.

Serve and store your homemade mac and cheese

Let the dish rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the custard to fully set. Cutting the casserole too early releases steam and makes the center runny. Serve hot as a main course or a hearty side dish.

Food Pairings

This rich casserole complements many Southern entrees. It balances spicy or smoky flavors well.

• Fried chicken or smothered pork chops
• BBQ ribs or brisket
• Collard greens or fried okra
• Cornbread or buttermilk biscuits

Refrigeration

Cool leftovers completely before storing. Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. The flavors often meld and taste better the next day. For an easy homemade mac and cheese recipe meal, simply reheat a portion.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze for longer storage. Wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Alternatively, transfer portions to freezer-safe bags. Label with the date. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Reheating Tips

Reheating restores the creamy texture.

• Oven: Bake at 350°F covered with foil. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Microwave: Heat on high in short intervals. Stir between each interval. Add a tablespoon of milk or butter.