Southern Mac and Cheese

Whoever makes the best southern mac and cheese in the family knows that theirs is the best. It’s creamy, custardy and ultra-cheesy. And that crispy, golden crust on top? Perfection. It’s the one everyone comes back to for seconds and thirds—and then begs for the recipe. Our southern baked mac and cheese is all that and more, no begging required.

This mac and cheese recipe is a rich, creamy southern side dish that combines perfectly cooked elbow macaroni with a blend of three cheeses: two kinds of cheddar and Velveeta. It always helps to make any homemade mac and cheese with quality cheddar that you shred from a block. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly; pre-grated cheese often uses stabilizers to prevent clumping. Evaporated milk makes our southern-style mac and cheese extra luscious.

Make this southern baked mac and cheese as a simple side dish, serve it as a budget-friendly dinner with veggies or double it for a crowd. Other classic southern comfort foods and fresh side salad recipes are some of our favorite pairings.

What is southern mac and cheese?

Southern baked mac and cheese is a staple at just about every family gathering, holiday and church picnic. The sauce usually includes several different cheeses, and it’s more custardy than other styles, thanks to eggs. There’s no need to make a roux or sauce on the stovetop beforehand. Simply combine the liquids and cheeses in a bowl, toss with macaroni, put it all in a baking pan and bake until it’s gooey. More cheese on top creates a prized golden crust.

Southern Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: This recipe uses classic elbow macaroni, which is the perfect shape for the creamy cheese sauce. You can also use other types of pasta, such as cavatappi, shells or rotini for a fun twist and varied texture.
• Eggs: Eggs make this style of mac and cheese more custardy.
• Evaporated milk: Milk helps prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or dry. Opt for whole milk, heavy cream or evaporated milk for a more indulgent cheese sauce.
• Melted butter: Because the cheeses contain a lot of salt, it’s fine to use unsalted butter here, but salted works just as well. You can always adjust the seasonings before you bake the mac and cheese.
• Seasonings: Seasoned salt, ground black pepper and prepared mustard make this sauce extra savory.
• Velveeta: Not every southern baked mac and cheese recipe uses this processed cheese, but many do. It melts perfectly and adds extra creaminess.
• Cheddar cheese: Our recipe uses both mild and sharp cheddar cheese. If you really want a strong cheese flavor, splurge on a high-quality aged sharp cheddar. For the best texture, grate your cheese fresh from a block.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the macaroni according to package directions.

Editor’s Tip: If you like your macaroni with a little give, cook it until al dente to prevent the macaroni from becoming too soft while it cooks in the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Make the base of the sauce

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Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, butter, mustard, seasoned salt and pepper until combined.

Step 3: Add the cheeses

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Stir in the Velveeta and 1-1/2 cups each of mild and sharp cheddar cheeses.

Step 4: Combine the macaroni and cheese ingredients

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Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese mixture. Toss everything well to coat the macaroni.

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Pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 3-quart baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly

Bake, uncovered until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.

Editor’s Tip: No need to cover this mac and cheese while it’s in the oven. You want that top layer of cheese to melt and turn to a golden-brown crust.

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Recipe Variations

• Change up the cheese: Combine sharp cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmigiano Reggiano or Parmesan for a rich and complex flavor profile. The Gruyere adds a nutty sweetness, while the Parmesan offers a sharp, salty finish.
• Make it smoky: Smoked cheddar instead of mild or sharp cheddar and a dash of smoked paprika give this mac and cheese a whole new flavor twist.
• Add some spice: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapenos, a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Top with crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Pack it with protein: Add bacon, ham, diced chicken or turkey, or crumbled cooked sausage to the mac and cheese.
• Mix in veggies: Add roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or bell peppers to the dish. This adds nutrition and a variety of textures to the final recipe.
• Make it vegan: Create a creamy sauce using cashews, nutritional yeast and plant-based milk. Here’s our vegan mac and cheese recipe for inspo.

How to Store Southern Mac and Cheese

Store southern macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for three to four days.

Can you freeze southern mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze southern macaroni and cheese. Allow the pan to cool before wrapping it tightly in plastic and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, or store individual portions in freezer storage bags. It lasts for two to three months. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How do you reheat southern mac and cheese?

The best way to reheat southern mac and cheese is in the oven, to retain that crisp topping. Preheat the oven to  350°, and place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until warmed through. You may want to uncover it for the last 10 minutes to crisp the top. You can also microwave individual portions.

For frozen mac and cheese, thaw it in the fridge overnight and follow the instructions above. If reheating directly from frozen, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil and bake at 350° for 45 to 60 minutes until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes.

Southern Mac and Cheese Tips

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How do you keep southern mac and cheese creamy?

To keep the mac and cheese creamy, cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy. Don’t overbake it. When finished, soul food mac and cheese should be slightly jiggly, like a custard.

What can you serve with southern mac and cheese?

For a classic southern feast, serve it alongside your favorite soul food recipes, such as fried chicken, barbecue ribs or pulled pork. For a lighter option, pair it with grilled or baked chicken. Vegetables like collard greens, green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts provide a fresh contrast to the creamy mac and cheese. A crisp coleslaw or a tangy cucumber salad can add a refreshing bite. Buttery cornbread or biscuits make excellent sides to round out the meal.