Name: Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Southern American
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 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; 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 about a creamy, cheesy bake that just speaks comfort, and this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe hits all those notes perfectly. With layers of rich cheeses and a golden crust, it’s the kind of dish that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.

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 remember the first time I made this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe—it was a game-changer. It's not just about melting cheese and pasta; it’s about balance, that perfect creamy-but-not-runny sauce, and a crispy, golden top that makes every bite feel indulgent and homey.

Four Cheeses, One Dream: Using sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, pepper jack, and Velveeta delivers a flavor combo that’s both bold and comforting.
The Perfect Texture: Cooking the pasta just until al dente means it won’t turn mushy after baking—seriously, this was a revelation for me!
Layered Seasoning: Those spices in the sauce add subtle warmth and depth, transforming simple mac and cheese into something special.
Baked to Golden Perfection: That crispy, bubbly top is the crowning glory—plus the broiler touch for a slightly blistered finish adds so much character.

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

Each ingredient in this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a crucial role. The cheeses combine for texture and flavor, the butter and flour create a silky roux, and the milk brings creaminess. Here’s my take on why these ingredients work so beautifully together—and some shopping tips to keep in mind.

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 that classic tangy mac and cheese flavor; block cheese grates better for melting than pre-shredded.
Smoked Gouda Cheese: Adds a creamy texture with a subtle smokiness that elevates the whole dish.
Pepper Jack Cheese: Brings a mild spicy kick and extra creaminess; great for a little warmth without overpowering.
Velveeta (original flavor): Melts incredibly smooth and gives the sauce that silky, gooey finish we all love.
Elbow Macaroni Pasta: The perfect shape to hold on to all that luscious cheese sauce.
Unsalted Butter: Essential for making the roux; unsalted lets you control the seasoning better.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce; you can swap in gluten-free flour if you need to.
Whole Milk and Half-and-Half: Create a rich, creamy base for the sauce—feel free to use milk of choice depending on your dietary needs.
Seasonings (Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Ground Mustard, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Nutmeg, Cayenne Pepper): These add layers of subtle flavor and warmth that balance the richness of the cheese.

📝

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 love how this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a fantastic base for so many twists—you can make it your own depending on what you have or what flavors you want to explore.

Variation: I sometimes swap smoked gouda for sharp white cheddar to bump up the sharpness; it’s a favorite twist at family dinners.
Dietary tweak: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make it gluten-friendly without sacrificing taste.
Add-ins: Toss in some cooked bacon or sautéed onions to add crunch and a smoky dimension.
Spice it up: If you like heat, increase the cayenne pepper or mix in diced jalapeños for a Southern kick.

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

Step 1: Prep and Shred the Cheeses

Start by shredding the cheddar, gouda, and pepper jack. I find using a food processor makes this quick and tidy, but a hand grater works fine too—just be ready for a little arm workout! Keep the shredded cheeses in one bowl and set aside the cubed Velveeta in another.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Boil salted water and add the elbow macaroni. Remember, the goal is just al dente—around 5-6 minutes. I’ve learned the hard way that overcooked pasta results in a mushy bake, which is no fun! Drain and rinse under cool water immediately to stop cooking and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook until it turns a light golden color—this step gets rid of that raw flour taste. Slowly add the milk and half-and-half while whisking nonstop to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes.

Next, add all those warming seasonings followed by most of the shredded cheese, reserving some for topping. Fold it all in gently until the sauce coats the back of your spoon—it’s seriously gorgeous at this point. Give it a taste and adjust salt or seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce Then Bake

Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until every noodle is well coated. Transfer this mixture to your buttered baking dish. Nestle the Velveeta cubes evenly throughout—this adds gooey pockets of cheesy goodness. Then sprinkle the reserved shredded cheeses on top to get that perfect crust.

Bake uncovered at 375°F for 35 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. If you want to elevate the crust to a melty, slightly blistered finish, broil for 1-2 minutes while watching carefully—this step makes a difference every time!

Top Tip

After many attempts, I’ve discovered little tricks that make this Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe foolproof. These tips saved me from overcooked pasta and bland sauce—trust me, it’s worth it!

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cooking pasta just al dente is key—remember it continues cooking in the oven.
Make a Smooth Roux: Stir flour into melted butter and cook until lightly golden to avoid a raw flour taste.
Season Gradually: Add spices bit by bit and taste before baking to get the perfect balance.
Keep an Eye on the Broiler: That final broil adds fantastic texture, but it happens fast—don’t walk away!

How to Serve Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives right before serving—to add a fresh burst of color and a mild herbal note that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes, a dusting of smoked paprika on top after baking gives a gorgeous finish and a subtle smoky aroma.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with lightly dressed greens like a simple arugula salad or southern-style collard greens. For heartier meals, I like serving it alongside fried chicken or garlic-roasted vegetables to balance the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins for easy, personalized servings that look so cute on the table. Another fun trick is to top with crispy panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking for an extra crunch that guests rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover mac and cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container or covered baking dish in the fridge for 2-3 days. I always cover it tightly with foil to prevent it from drying out, and it reheats well using either the microwave or oven.

Freezing

Freezing works, but be sure to cool it completely. I portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven: cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. This keeps the top from drying out and maintains the luscious sauce. Microwave works too for quick meals, but watch for drying edges.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Thoughts

This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe really is a love letter to comfort food. It’s the one dish I reach for whenever I want to treat myself or impress at a potluck without breaking a sweat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try it, it’ll probably become a favorite in your kitchen too. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!