Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe
If there’s one dish that can light up a table with pure, old-fashioned comfort, it’s Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style. Perfectly tender noodles, a rich, custardy cheese sauce, and a deeply golden-brown top layer of bubbling cheese come together in a dish that speaks to the heart. Each bite is creamy, savory, and full of soul, making it a must-have for holiday feasts, cookouts, and Sunday dinners alike. Whether you serve it as a main course or hearty side, this is the mac and cheese recipe your family will request over and over.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients below may look simple, but together they create a true classic. Every component helps deliver the taste, creaminess, and golden top that make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style unforgettable.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic shape holds onto the creamy sauce, giving you perfect bites every time.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps coat the noodles so every strand stays luscious.
- Whole milk: Provides the essential creamy base for the custard-like cheese sauce.
- Evaporated milk: Deepens the flavor and adds velvety texture without being too heavy.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the casserole its signature firm-but-creamy consistency.
- Salt and pepper: Brightens and balances all the cheesy goodness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtleness that enhances—not overpowers—the cheese blend.
- Onion powder: Lends warmth and depth, bringing out the best in every cheesy bite.
- Paprika (plus extra for topping): Adds a hint of smokiness and a gorgeous, appetizing color on top.
- Ground mustard (optional): Gives a tiny pop of tang that elevates the entire dish.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: The star flavor in any soul food mac and cheese, bold and melty.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Brings creaminess and a mellow, buttery touch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, stretchy moments in every scoop.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild, smooth finish that complements the sharper cheeses.
- Sour cream: Secret weapon for adding extra tang and silkiness to every forkful.
How to Make Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this will help prevent sticking and make serving your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style so much easier.
Step 2: Boil the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni until it’s just al dente. The pasta will soften more in the oven, so aim for a slight bite to avoid mushiness. Drain thoroughly and set aside, ready to welcome all that cheesy flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Seasonings
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional ground mustard. This mixture forms the luscious, custardy base that sets Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style apart from any boxed version.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
Gently fold all the shredded cheeses into your milk and egg mixture, but be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese for sprinkling over the top. Stir until everything looks beautifully mixed and irresistibly cheesy.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
Add the still-warm cooked macaroni to your cheese mixture, stirring gently so every noodle is completely coated. This step is where the magic happens—each piece of pasta becomes a vessel for creamy, rich flavor.
Step 6: Assemble and Top
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then top with the reserved cheddar and a light sprinkling of paprika. This creates that classic, golden, slightly smoky crust.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the edges are bubbling. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen! Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving, so it sets up properly and slices up easily.
How to Serve Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style
Garnishes
A little extra love on top makes all the difference. Try a final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives for brightness, or a touch more smoked paprika for bold color and subtle depth. If you love texture, consider a crumble of buttery crackers baked on top for a crispy finish.
Side Dishes
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style is fantastic alongside collard greens, fried chicken, BBQ ribs, or roasted vegetables. Its richness balances perfectly with tangy vinegar-based slaws or a crisp garden salad, making it the star of any soulful spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve up this mac and cheese directly from the dish at family style gatherings, or present individual scoops in ramekins for a special dinner party twist. For an eye-catching potluck, garnish each portion with a little extra cheddar and a dash of hot sauce or salsa verde.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool completely before covering the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, enjoying a taste of comfort any time the craving hits.
Freezing
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style freezes surprisingly well. Simply place cooled portions into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It’s best within 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover and bake in a 350°F oven until bubbly and warm throughout, about 20 minutes for a whole dish. For individual servings, the microwave works in a pinch—just add a splash of milk and heat gently to revive the creamy texture.
FAQs
Why use both whole milk and evaporated milk?
Combining these two gives the cheese sauce extra richness and creaminess, creating a luxurious texture you can’t get with one milk alone—a secret to truly classic Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
While convenient, pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. For the absolute creamiest mac and cheese, shred your own cheese from blocks.
What’s the purpose of eggs in the recipe?
The eggs help set the custard, allowing the mac and cheese to slice neatly while still staying moist and creamy. It’s a beloved element in soul food variations of baked macaroni and cheese.
How do I make this even creamier?
For extra indulgence, stir 2 ounces of cubed cream cheese into the hot pasta before baking. This adds more tang and a delightfully rich mouthfeel to your Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style.
Can I make it ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing classic that delivers comfort in every bite, you’ll never go wrong with Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style. It’s more than just a side—it’s a celebration of buttery noodles, velvety cheese, and the warm traditions that bring us all to the table. Make it, share it, and watch it disappear!
Print
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Soul Food Style. This classic comfort dish is a staple at family gatherings and holiday feasts. With a blend of four cheeses and a hint of spices, it’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus more for topping)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
Cheeses
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Mix Ingredients: Whisk together milk, eggs, sour cream, seasonings, and cheeses. Add macaroni and mix.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the dish, top with cheese and paprika. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden.
- Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in cream cheese before baking.
- Top with crackers or extra cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
