This recipe for the perfect Southern Style Baked Macaroni and Cheese has been in the works for a while. I am a huge fan of a Classic Mac and Cheese, so I really put a ton of time and effort in making sure I got it RIGHT, and I am really convinced this is the BEST macaroni and cheese recipe out there.
For years I've been trying to figure out that exact combination of those basic macaroni and cheese ingredients to make a baked macaroni and cheese recipe that came out creamy enough for me, but still in that Southern Macaroni Pie Style for my classic-loving husband who always wants it from the local soul food restaurants.
People: I have done it.
Creamy but not saturated like a pan mac and cheese, this recipe is, in my humble opinion, the perfect macaroni and cheese.
You can change the cheeses, you can change the milk. You will, I know you will.
And that's okay.
But I cannot be held responsible for how it turns out unless you use my exact recipe. More extra sharp cheese, or substituting any lower fat cheddar, regular gruyere, etc will make the sauce gritty.
Using all Medium or Mild Cheddar will make it more gooey and bland. Substitute gouda or fontina and you'll get more of a pan-style sauce.
You've been warned ( but if that's what you are looking for, go for it! )
Update: Okay, people. As predicted, I've gotten a lot of questions about this recipe. Let's take a minute to answer some so you don't have to comb through the comments if you have a similar question about how to make this an easy mac and cheese recipe!
FAQ for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese:
Let's keep it short and sweet, shall we?
What is the best cheese combination for macaroni and cheese?
People. It's what I put in the recipe: Medium Cheddar plus Extra Sharp Cheddar. That's why I chose those cheeses, and that's why ( IMHO ) this is the PERFECT Mac and Cheese recipe!
Can I substitute all Extra Sharp Cheddar, Muenster, Brie, Aged Cheddar, an old shoe I found behind the QuickMart?
Sure. But like I said above - the cheese changes more than just the flavor. It changes the TEXTURE! And I strongly feel the cheeses I've listed in the recipe create the perfect balance of sharpness AND texture.
But you do you, boo! ( and if you LOVE the combo you found, share it with me! )
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
You sure can - but be aware: dairy and the freezer don't always love each other, and frozen mac and cheese that's been reheated is never going to be good as the fresh version.
If you'd like to freeze it, I recommend assembling the entire recipe, baking it at 425 F for just long enough to get a little browning on top, letting it cool completely, then wrapping it and freezing.
What to eat with mac and cheese?
If you want to go full-on comfort food, my Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken is a great route for a protein to go with mac and cheese. If you want to shake things up a bit, Honey Rosemary Pork Chops are easy and a little lighter.
With either protein, I love a fresh salad to balance out all that cheese!
what are some other amazing holiday side dishes?
- Potato Gratin ( Gratin Dauphinoise )
- Maple Roasted Carrots with Bacon
- Roasted Butternut Squash with Brussels Sprouts and Onion
- Southern Corn Pudding Casserole
- Whipped Lima Beans
- Sweet Potato Casserole Appetizer Bites
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces macaroni
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup flour
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
- 3 ½ cups 2% milk
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Equipment
- 3 Quart Baking Dish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni, cook for 8 - 9 minutes. Strain and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Sprinkle the flour, white pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper over the melted butter, whisking until smooth and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the milk ½ cup at a time ( feel free to eyeball it ), only adding the next half cup once the previous one has been incorporated entirely.
- Add all of the medium cheddar cheese and half of the extra sharp cheddar cheese, stir into the milk/flour sauce until melted. Stir in the macaroni.
- Pour into a 3 quart baking dish. Top with the remaining extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375 F for 30 minutes.
Gretchen says
Let me preface this comment with stating I am not a good cook. AT ALL I can’t tweak anything. I must follow exact recipes.
An addition was made to our “Holiday Menu” this year. As I polled the kids of favorites to make sure I made, my oldest said, “mom, I know you’ve never made this but could you make some Mac n cheese like we have at grandmas church”? Well if you live in the south you know what church Mac n cheese is. REAL Southern Mac n Cheese. I told him I would try. I had tried several recipes in the past and failed miserably, so I gave up on perfecting southern Mac n cheese.....until yesterday! I followed your recipe exactly and NAILED GRANDMA’S CHURCH MAC N CHEESE! Thank you sooooooo much. My 4 kids LOVED IT!
Suanne Braun says
Loved this recipe , have tried several over the years and gave up until I came across yours, I was not looking for a a Mac and cheese recipe , but it caught my attention and we just loved it . I see that you are offering a free ebook of recipes but my fear of subscribing is that I would have to commit to paying a fee , if you get this please let me know, I’m actually having Mac and cheese for supper tonight , anyone that reads this do exactly what was to,d to do , no changes , and then enjoy 😊
Tasha Williams says
In your recipe you said 3 1/2 cups. Is it 3 half cups or 3 and a half cups?
Marianne says
3.5 cups
Mrs. Bannister says
Delicious!! My whole family from ages 3 to 67 enjoyed. Question, for the sake of timing of my Christmas meal can I bake at 350?
Ashlee says
Can I use a 9x13 baking dish instead of a 3 quart?
Marianne says
You might have a little bit too much filling if it's a shallow version, but a deep one should be fine!
Angela says
Can I prep this the day before and then just put it in the oven the next day?
Marianne says
Absolutely! I do that all the time 🙂