Name: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, block-style; 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, block-style; 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, block-style; 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (original flavor), cubed; 1 pound dried elbow macaroni pasta; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups half-and-half; 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon ground mustard; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

There’s something truly comforting about a creamy, golden baked mac and cheese that just warms you from the inside out. This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe stands out with its rich blend of cheeses and a perfectly crisped top that I promise will have everyone asking for seconds.

The image shows a baking dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. The top layer is a thick, golden-yellow melted cheese crust with some browned spots near the edges. Below this crispy cheese layer, there are two layers of soft, pale yellow mac and cheese pasta with a smooth and creamy texture. A woman's hand is lifting a portion with a metal serving spoon, revealing stretchy melted cheese strings between the dish and spoon. The baking dish is white, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I genuinely get excited sharing this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe because it’s a great example of soulful cooking that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to pull off. The cheese combo creates layers of flavor you won’t forget.

Perfectly Creamy Texture: Thanks to the mix of sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack, and Velveeta, the sauce melts beautifully without getting greasy.
Flavor Depth: Adding seasonings like smoked paprika and a hint of cayenne gives it that authentic Southern warmth and a slight kick you’ll love.
Crunchy Golden Top: Baking the mac and cheese until bubbly and then finishing under the broiler gives it that irresistible crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
Flexible and Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe easily scales and tweaks to your taste, making it a dependable favorite for potlucks or quiet family dinners alike.

The image shows a close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish with two layers. The top layer is golden yellow melted cheese that looks crispy and bubbly with some brown spots. Below the crunchy cheese layer is soft, creamy macaroni pasta covered in smooth melted cheese sauce. A white utensil is scooping up a serving from the dish, revealing the thick cheesy texture inside. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this dish lies in the carefully chosen cheeses and spices that come together in perfect harmony. When you're shopping, look for block-style cheeses—grating them fresh really elevates the flavor. And don’t rush the roux; it’s the base that makes your cheese sauce silky smooth.

Flat lay of a small pile of dried elbow macaroni pasta, a stick of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with all purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl with half-and-half, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of ground mustard, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smoked paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl with a pinch of cayenne pepper, a block of sharp cheddar cheese, a block of smoked gouda cheese, a block of pepper jack cheese, and cubed Velveeta cheese all arranged symmetrically and neatly on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers a classic, tangy bite that forms the backbone of the cheesy flavor.
Smoked Gouda Cheese: Adds a subtle smoky richness that gives the recipe a wonderfully deep character.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings a mild spicy note and melty creaminess that wakes up the palate.
Velveeta: Cubed, it melts smoothly into pockets of creamy goodness in the baked dish.
Elbow Macaroni Pasta: Perfect shape and size to hold onto all that luscious cheese sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for creating a perfectly balanced roux without extra saltiness.
All Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce so it clings beautifully to the pasta.
Whole Milk & Half-and-Half: Together these provide a creamy base with a rich mouthfeel without being too heavy.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Foundational seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Ground Mustard: A secret weapon that brightens and sharpens the cheese sauce flavor.
Garlic & Onion Powder: Provide savory depth without overpowering.
Smoked Paprika: Amplifies the smoky notes and adds a gentle warmth.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a touch adds complexity and rounds out the spices.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): I love this little kick of heat that balances the richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe plenty of times, and what I love most is how easy it is to adapt. Once you’ve nailed the base, don’t be afraid to add your own twist!

Variation: I sometimes swap half the cheddar for smoked mozzarella when I want a milder, extra gooey texture, especially for kids.
Vegetarian Upgrade: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for added veggies that pair beautifully with the cheese flavors.
Make It Spicy: Increase the cayenne or add chopped jalapeños if you enjoy a bolder kick in your mac and cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in the roux and gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without losing creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Shred the Cheeses

I like to use a food processor to shred the sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and pepper jack cheeses—it saves time and gives you nice, even shreds that melt uniformly. Keep the cubed Velveeta separate since you’ll tuck it in at the end for those melty pockets. Trust me, that little detail is worth it!

Step 2: Cook Your Pasta Just Right

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente—about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t overdo it because the pasta will keep cooking once baked. After draining, I rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking, then leave it in the colander while I make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt your butter over medium heat and stir in the flour until it forms a blond roux—golden and fragrant; about 2 to 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in your milk and half-and-half, bringing it to a gentle simmer to thicken. Add your seasonings, then fold in most of the shredded cheeses, reserving some for topping. This step is where your sauce transforms into the silky, dreamy base that coats every noodle.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Stir the pasta into the cheese sauce until every piece is lovingly smothered. This is where you want to toss gently but thoroughly so the sauces cling evenly for that rich first bite.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your cheesy pasta mixture into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Nestle the Velveeta cubes throughout so they melt into wonderful little pockets of extra creaminess. Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses on top for a bubbly, golden crust. Place the dish on a baking sheet (trust me—this saves you from post-bake cleanups) and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes.

Step 6: Finish Under the Broiler

For that extra crisp, browned, slightly blistered top that gets all the ooohs and ahhhs, I pop it under the broiler for about 2 minutes—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Then serve immediately and enjoy the cheers around your table.

Top Tip

Making this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for the first time, I learned just a few little tricks made all the difference in nailing that perfect texture and flavor each time. Sharing these tips will save you time and keep your dish spot-on.

Don’t Skip Rinsing Pasta: Stopping the cooking process by rinsing under cold water is key to preventing mushy pasta after baking.
Cook Your Roux Properly: Letting the flour and butter cook until golden removes any raw flour taste and thickens your sauce just right.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent smooth melting—fresh cheese makes a creamier texture.
Watch the Broiler Closely: It’s easy to go from beautifully browned to burnt in seconds, so keep that oven door open and be ready to pull your dish out right away.

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. Their bright notes cut through the richness and add a bit of color. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs on top adds even more texture and indulgence.

Side Dishes

This creamy mac pairs perfectly with some smoky BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or even a fresh, tangy coleslaw. On a lighter note, roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad balance the heaviness and round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or potlucks, I’ve baked the mac and cheese in individual ramekins or even hollowed out mini pumpkins. Not only does it look stunning, but it also makes serving fuss-free and super fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly cover the baking dish with foil and store leftover Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find it tastes just as good reheated gently in the oven or microwave, especially with a splash of milk added back into the portion to keep it creamy.

Freezing

Freezing works great here too! I portion it out into airtight containers for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture holds up surprisingly well, especially if you reheat slowly in the oven.

Reheating

For reheating, cover your mac and cheese with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, adding a bit of milk to loosen it if needed. I avoid the microwave when possible because the oven really helps revive that baked-on golden top and creamy middle.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use shredded cheese instead of blocks?

Absolutely, but I recommend grating the cheese yourself from blocks for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.

What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is the classic and best choice here because its curves and tubes hold onto the cheese sauce perfectly. However, you could also use cavatappi or shells for similar results.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The texture might shift slightly but flavor-wise, it’s just as delicious.

How do I get a crispy topping without burning?

To get a crispy, golden topping without burning, keep a close eye during the last 2 minutes under the broiler, and keep the oven door slightly open to monitor. Using a baking sheet under your dish also helps catch any bubbling over, preventing messes and flare-ups.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe has earned a special place in my kitchen—and hopefully will in yours, too. It’s that dish that transports you to a cozy Southern table, full of love and flavor. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and share it with those you care about. I promise, it’ll be a hit!