Southern Mac and Cheese: Rich and creamy mac & cheese topped with crunchy bread crumbs. This indulgent dish brings comfort food to your table in less than an hour!
Now that we’re into fall, I’m starting to crave all those hardy foods that “stick to your ribs”. Comfort foods warm you from the inside out. One of my favorites is southern baked mac and cheese. It’s hearty,and tastes amazing.
There’s just something about homemade mac and cheese that make me so happy. When I was a kid my mom would make it ,and even if I had a bad day it somehow made everything better. I’m pretty sure she put a little magic inside. Either that or extra butter! Let’s dig into this baked mac and cheese recipe!
Don’t blame me if you’re tempted to eat the entire thing all by yourself!
Craving More Comfort Food?
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How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese
For this Southern Mac and Cheese, first you’ll need to preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Next, spray a 9×13 casserole dish with non stick spray.
Now for the good stuff! Cook your macaroni per the package instructions. Then, place your cooked pasta in a large bowl while it’s still hot,and add 2 ½ cups of cheese and butter. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining ingredients whisking to combine them. Don’t be tempted to skip the eggs. They help thicken the sauce, and give a wonderful custardy texture.
Once those are mixed together add them in with the pasta. In a small bowl, combine your melted butter and bread crumbs for the topping.
Pour your macaroni into the casserole dish that you sprayed and top it with the remaining 1 cup of cheese , and the bread crumb mixture.Bake between 30 and 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.
See how easy delicious homemade mac and cheese is!
Southern Mac and Cheese Make Ahead Tips:
Can You Prepare It Ahead of Time?
This mac and cheese casserole can be made ahead of time, but one thing you’ll want to do is wait to add the bread crumb topping. If you put them on top to start, the crumbs will become soggy. You can save the southern style mac and cheese for up to 2 days before baking it. Then, add the crumbs just before baking.
Can You Freeze After Baking?
You can freeze your baked macaroni and cheese either before or after baking. It is a great make ahead dish for holidays! For best results bake or enjoy within 3-4 months.
How Do You Reheat It?
If you have a large amount to reheat then the oven will be the best way to reheat it. If you are just going to heat a small amount for you to eat then the microwave will be fine. To prevent it from drying out adda little milk just before heating.
Variations:
Can I Use Other Pasta Shapes: Macaroni is a classic, but other shapes work well too.
Tip: Look for a pasta with little lines/ridges to help you amazing cheese sauce stick. I also like using rotini, cavatappi, or even penne. Avoid thin pastas such as spaghetti.
Whichever pasta shape you choose, be sure not to over cook it. It will continue to cook in the oven, so it is okay if it still has a little bit of a bite.
Can I Add Other Cheeses: For sure! Feel free to use your favorite. Other great choices include white cheddar, gouda, Monterey Jack, or Romano. For the best flavor and texture, grate your own cheese. Pre shredded varieties have added ingredients to stop the pieces from sticking together, and this can also effect how they melt.
Can I Use Another Type of Milk? Whole milk or 2% work best in this recipe. They’ll give the richest creamiest texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Serve With It?
You can serve this easy baked mac and cheese with anything you want. My go to dishes are pork or breaded chicken. I love the pairing of pork with mac and cheese. It also makes a wonderful dish to serve with crusty bread or breadsticks for mopping up that extra cheese sauce!
My Mac and Cheese is Dry How Can I Fix It?
Milk will do the trick, just add about a tablespoon or 2of milk per cup of mac and cheese.
This recipe is sure to be the best baked mac and cheese you’ll ever eat. I know it has become my family’s favorite. It makes the colder months more bearable and brings back so many memories. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do. Make sure to let me know how you like it!
Serve With
Southern Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Box Elbow Macaroni
- 3 ½ Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded (Divided)
- ¼ Cup Butter Softened
- 1 ½ Cups Whole Milk
- 3 Eggs
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- 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 large bowl, combine hot pasta 2 ½ cups of cheese, and butter.
- In a medium bowl, combine milk, eggs, and sour cream. Whisk until combined. Sir in noodle mixture and salt/pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter and bread crumbs.
- Pour into prepared dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
Adapted via Oh Sweet Basil
Mac and Cheese Recipes From Blogs I Heart
Copycat Panera Mac and Cheese via Shugary Sweets
Broccoli Mac and Cheese via White On Rice Couple
Smoked Mac and Cheese via 4 Sons R Us
What do you think of this southern mac and cheese recipe? What is your favorite Fall supper?
Yummy!!
I love this mac and cheese recipe! Thanks.