Southern Baked Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Classic

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless dish that graces the tables of family gatherings, holidays, and Sunday dinners all across the South. This indulgent, cheesy casserole is more than just a side dish—it’s a soulful, heartwarming meal that brings people together. With its creamy, velvety texture and crispy golden topping, Southern Baked Mac and Cheese stands out as a classic comfort food. Here’s a recipe that’ll make sure you get that perfect balance of flavors and textures every time.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your choice of pasta shape)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika (for a little smoky flavor)
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt, adjust to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for the topping)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it until it’s al dente—firm to the bite but not too soft. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to form a smooth paste. This is your roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.

Next, gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk as you go to prevent lumps from forming. Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, lower the heat and add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

In a small bowl, beat the two eggs. Gradually whisk in a little of the hot cheese sauce to temper the eggs (this step ensures the eggs won’t scramble when added to the sauce). Once the eggs are tempered, slowly pour them back into the sauce, stirring constantly. This will give your mac and cheese that luscious, creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every noodle with the creamy mixture. Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6: Prepare the Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and shredded cheddar cheese (if using). Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to create a crunchy, golden topping.

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