Southern Mac and Cheese
My baked Southern mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and topped with crunchy bread crumbs. My family requests this easy recipe over and over!
Mac and cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods. I've previously shared unique twists like buffalo chicken mac and cheese and jalapeno popper mac and cheese. I've even made Instant Pot mac and cheese! This southern mac and cheese with egg takes it to a whole new level. This isn't just a side dish it's the star of your meal. Thick, rich, and perfectly cheesy. We love it for Sunday supper and potlucks. P.S. You can also use this recipe to make deep fried mac and cheese bites!
Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science
- My Secret Ingredient: Eggs create a rich custard like texture.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts smoothly without being grainy or oily.
- Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a hint of tanginess.
- Crunchy Topping: Breadcrumbs add the perfect textural contrast.
Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips
- Pasta: I like a hollow pasta with ridges to hold the sauce. Elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or penne are my favorites. You could even use rotini or tiny shells in a pinch.
- Cheese: Grate it yourself as store bought varieties often have anti caking agents that interfere with melting.
- Milk: Use whole milk for the creamiest pasta. It's also less likely to split than low fat varities.
- Sour Cream: I also suggest full fat sour cream.
- Breadcrumbs: I like using seasoned bread crumbs. Consider panko for extra crunch.
Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets
- Salt Your Pasta Water: I like around 2 tablespoons per box of pasta. It should taste salty like chicken broth.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook until it is just under al dente. We don't want it to be mushy and overcooked as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Temper Eggs: Add warm milk to eggs a little at a time to prevent them from scrambling.
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📖 Recipe
Old Fashioned Southern Mac and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 1 Pound Box Elbow Macaroni
- 3 ½ Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded (Divided)
- ¼ Cup Butter Softened
- 1 ½ Cups Whole Milk Heated
- 3 Eggs
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
- 4 Tablespoons Butter Melted
- 2 Cups Bread Crumbs
- Salt and Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x13 inch casserole dish with non stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to the package instructions.
- In a medium bowl, heat milk in microwave for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add to eggs to temper. Stir in sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt/pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine hot pasta 2 ½ cups of cheese, and butter. Stir in milk mixture. Pour into prepared dish.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and bread crumbs.
- Top with breadcrumbs and remaining cheese. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Video
Nutrition
Just made this Southern Mac and Cheese—creamy, cheesy, and totally comforting 🧀🍝💛
The crunchy bread crumb topping was the perfect touch to this mac and cheese! So good - my family loved it!
Southern mac and cheese looks delicious so good, perfect treat, I have made it twice.
This was EXACTLY as good as I was hoping for..it's the perfect southern mac and cheese recipe!
This might be the best Mac and cheese I’ve ever tried! It’s so comforting and delicious.
This Mac and cheese is amazing! Such a tasty recipe.
I rather make the sauce from scratch, you know, by melting the flour for a roux, then add milk, cheese to get the right consistency. Then add mixture to pasta, cover with crumbs then bake to perfection. (Patent pending). 🙂
Hey Dan!
The sauce is made from scratch with milk and cheese 😉
Yummy!!
I love this mac and cheese recipe! Thanks.