If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to serve at your next holiday gathering, this Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Sunday dinner spread.
This mac and cheese recipe soul food combines layers of cheesy goodness with a golden, bubbly top that makes it irresistible. Let’s dive into how to make this Southern baked macaroni and cheese that’s perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday dinners.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to make the best Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe:
- Elbow Macaroni (1 pound or 450g)
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted – about 115g)
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup – about 30g)
- Milk (2 cups – whole milk preferred)
- Evaporated Milk (1 cup – about 240ml)
- Cream Cheese (½ cup, softened – about 115g)
- Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded)
- Colby Jack Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Eggs (2 large, beaten)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, for flavor and color)
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Preparation
Follow these steps to make the best Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese:
Cook the Macaroni:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and evaporated milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.Add the Cheese:
Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.Layer the Mac and Cheese:
Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the layer. Pour the remaining mac and cheese on top and sprinkle the final layer of cheddar and Colby Jack cheese.Add Beaten Eggs:
Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to help bind it together and create a rich, custardy texture.Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.Cool and Serve:
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Perfect Southern Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce. Grate your cheese fresh for the best results.
- Don’t Skip the Evaporated Milk: This ingredient adds richness and depth to the cheese sauce.
- Layer the Cheese: Adding layers of cheese between the pasta creates pockets of gooey, melted cheese in every bite.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Skipping the Roux: The roux (butter and flour mixture) helps thicken the sauce. Don’t skip this step for a creamy texture.
- Underseasoning: Be sure to season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to bring out the best flavors.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Classic Presentation: Serve the baked mac and cheese family-style in the baking dish.
- Individual Portions: Divide the mac and cheese into ramekins for individual servings with a fancy touch.
- Toppings: Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Recipe Variations and Additions
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.
- Four-Cheese Version: Use a blend of four different cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, cheddar, and Colby Jack for a richer flavor.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pairing Ideas for a Perfect Holiday Meal
- Collard Greens: Serve with a side of collard greens for a true soul food experience.
- Fried Chicken: Pair with crispy fried chicken for a classic Southern meal.
- Cornbread: Enjoy with a slice of warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort food combination.
FAQ Section
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells for this recipe.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Enjoy Your Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
This Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday dinner, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and subscribe to our blog for more delicious Southern recipes!
Baked Mac and Cheese : the best for Holidays
If you’re looking for the ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to serve at your next holiday gathering, this Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is the perfect dish. Rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
- To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following tools:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- Whisk or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Mixing bowls
- Aluminum foil
- Here’s a detailed list of ingredients you’ll need to make the best Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe:
- Elbow Macaroni (1 pound or 450g)
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup or 1 stick, melted – about 115g)
- All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup – about 30g)
- Milk (2 cups – whole milk preferred)
- Evaporated Milk (1 cup – about 240ml)
- Cream Cheese (½ cup, softened – about 115g)
- Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded)
- Colby Jack Cheese (2 cups, shredded)
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated)
- Eggs (2 large, beaten)
- Salt (1 teaspoon)
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon)
- Paprika (½ teaspoon, for flavor and color)
- Follow these steps to make the best Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk and evaporated milk, whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Add the Cheese:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese, 2 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce is creamy and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Layer the Mac and Cheese:
- Pour half of the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese over the layer. Pour the remaining mac and cheese on top and sprinkle the final layer of cheddar and Colby Jack cheese.
- Add Beaten Eggs:
- Pour the beaten eggs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese to help bind it together and create a rich, custardy texture.
- Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the sauce. Grate your cheese fresh for the best results.
Don’t Skip the Evaporated Milk: This ingredient adds richness and depth to the cheese sauce.
Layer the Cheese: Adding layers of cheese between the pasta creates pockets of gooey, melted cheese in every bite.