{"id":2022,"date":"2026-02-17T22:46:41","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T22:46:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/?p=2022"},"modified":"2026-02-17T22:46:41","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T22:46:41","slug":"the-ultimate-southern-baked-mac-and-cheese","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/?p=2022","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u00a0The Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Old-Fashioned Soul Food Style)<\/h1>\n

If you\u2019re looking for that rich, creamy, cheesy, baked Southern mac and cheese<\/strong> \u2014 the kind served at Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving, cookouts, and family reunions \u2014 this is it.<\/p>\n

This is not<\/strong> the quick stovetop version.
\nThis is the real Southern baked version<\/strong> made with a custard base, multiple cheeses, and baked until golden and slightly crispy on top while staying creamy inside.<\/p>\n

\u00a0INGREDIENTS<\/h1>\n

\u00a0For the Pasta<\/h2>\n
    \n
  • 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni<\/li>\n
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)<\/li>\n
  • Water for boiling<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    \u00a0For the Cheese Blend (Very Important!)<\/h2>\n

    Using different cheeses gives depth, stretch, and flavor.<\/p>\n

      \n
    • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)<\/li>\n
    • 2 cups mild cheddar cheese<\/li>\n
    • 1 cup mozzarella cheese<\/li>\n
    • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese<\/li>\n
    • \u00bd cup Colby cheese (optional but recommended)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Always buy block cheese and shred it yourself.
      \nPre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.<\/p>\n

      \u00a0For the Southern Custard Mixture<\/h2>\n

      This is what makes it TRUE Southern style.<\/p>\n

        \n
      • 3 cups whole milk<\/li>\n
      • 1 cup heavy cream<\/li>\n
      • 3 large eggs (room temperature)<\/li>\n
      • \u00bd cup sour cream<\/li>\n
      • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)<\/li>\n
      • 1 teaspoon salt<\/li>\n
      • 1 teaspoon black pepper<\/li>\n
      • 1 teaspoon garlic powder<\/li>\n
      • 1 teaspoon onion powder<\/li>\n
      • \u00bd teaspoon smoked paprika<\/li>\n
      • \u00bd teaspoon mustard powder (optional but adds depth)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Optional for heat:<\/p>\n

          \n
        • \u00bd teaspoon cayenne pepper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          \u00a0STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS<\/h1>\n

          Step 1: Boil the Pasta Properly<\/h2>\n
            \n
          1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.<\/li>\n
          2. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.<\/li>\n
          3. Add the macaroni.<\/li>\n
          4. Cook 1 minute LESS than the package instructions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

            Why?
            \nBecause it will finish cooking in the oven.<\/p>\n

              \n
            1. Drain immediately.<\/li>\n
            2. Do NOT rinse.<\/li>\n
            3. Set aside.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

              Step 2: Prepare the Cheese<\/h2>\n

              In a large bowl:<\/p>\n

                \n
              • Combine all shredded cheeses.<\/li>\n
              • Mix them together evenly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                Divide the cheese mixture into three parts<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

                  \n
                • 2 parts for layering<\/li>\n
                • 1 part for topping<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                  Step 3: Make the Custard Base<\/h2>\n

                  In a large mixing bowl:<\/p>\n

                    \n
                  1. Whisk the eggs until smooth.<\/li>\n
                  2. Add whole milk and heavy cream.<\/li>\n
                  3. Add sour cream.<\/li>\n
                  4. Slowly pour in melted butter.<\/li>\n
                  5. Add all seasonings.<\/li>\n
                  6. Whisk until completely combined.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

                    The mixture should look smooth and slightly thick.<\/p>\n

                    Step 4: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish<\/h2>\n

                    Preheat oven to:<\/p>\n

                    350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C)<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.<\/p>\n

                    Step 5: Layer Like a True Southern Cook<\/h2>\n

                    This is the secret to the perfect texture.<\/p>\n

                    1\ufe0f\u20e3 Add half of the macaroni to the dish.
                    \n2\ufe0f\u20e3 Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese.
                    \n3\ufe0f\u20e3 Add remaining macaroni.
                    \n4\ufe0f\u20e3 Sprinkle more cheese.
                    \n5\ufe0f\u20e3 Slowly pour the custard mixture evenly over everything.
                    \n6\ufe0f\u20e3 Finish with the remaining cheese on top.<\/p>\n

                    Make sure everything is evenly distributed.<\/p>\n

                    Do NOT stir after pouring.<\/p>\n

                    Step 6: Bake to Perfection<\/h2>\n

                    Place in oven uncovered.<\/p>\n

                    Bake for: 35\u201345 minutes<\/strong><\/p>\n

                    You\u2019re looking for:<\/p>\n

                      \n
                    • Golden brown top<\/li>\n
                    • Slight bubbling on edges<\/li>\n
                    • Center set but still creamy<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                      If you want a darker top: Broil for 2\u20133 minutes at the end (watch carefully so it doesn\u2019t burn).<\/p>\n

                      Step 7: Rest Before Serving<\/h2>\n

                      Let it rest for 10\u201315 minutes<\/strong> before cutting.<\/p>\n

                      This allows:<\/p>\n

                        \n
                      • Custard to set<\/li>\n
                      • Slices to hold shape<\/li>\n
                      • Flavors to develop<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                        \u00a0What Makes It \u201cSouthern\u201d?<\/h1>\n

                        Southern baked mac and cheese:<\/p>\n

                        Uses eggs (custard base)
                        \nIs baked, not just stovetop
                        \nHas layered cheese
                        \nIs rich and heavy
                        \nIs slightly firm but creamy<\/p>\n

                        It\u2019s not supposed to be runny like boxed mac and cheese.<\/p>\n

                        Optional Add-Ins<\/h1>\n

                        If you want to customize:<\/p>\n

                          \n
                        • Crispy bacon<\/li>\n
                        • Diced ham<\/li>\n
                        • Lobster<\/li>\n
                        • Jalape\u00f1os<\/li>\n
                        • Caramelized onions<\/li>\n
                        • Cream cheese for extra richness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                          \u00a0What to Serve With It<\/h1>\n

                          Southern mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:<\/p>\n

                            \n
                          • Fried chicken<\/li>\n
                          • BBQ ribs<\/li>\n
                          • Collard greens<\/li>\n
                          • Cornbread<\/li>\n
                          • Candied yams<\/li>\n
                          • Baked beans<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                            It\u2019s a holiday classic for:<\/p>\n

                              \n
                            • Thanksgiving<\/li>\n
                            • Christmas<\/li>\n
                            • Sunday dinner<\/li>\n
                            • Potlucks<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

                              \u00a0Storage & Reheating<\/h1>\n

                              Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 4 days.<\/p>\n

                              Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months.<\/p>\n

                              Reheat: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.<\/p>\n

                              \u00a0Pro Tips for PERFECT Results<\/h1>\n

                              Don\u2019t overcook pasta
                              \nUse whole milk (not low fat)
                              \nShred your own cheese
                              \nLet it rest before serving
                              \nTaste cheese blend before baking<\/p>\n

                              \u00a0Final Result<\/h1>\n

                              You\u2019ll get:<\/p>\n

                              Crispy golden top
                              \nCreamy, rich inside
                              \nDeep cheesy flavor
                              \nPerfect sliceable texture
                              \nReal Southern comfort food<\/p>\n

                               <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                              \u00a0The Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Old-Fashioned Soul Food Style) If you\u2019re looking for that rich, creamy, cheesy, baked…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2023,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2022","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-home","category-recipes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2022","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2022"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2022\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2024,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2022\/revisions\/2024"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2023"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2022"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2022"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/food.ukbiddingdirectory.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2022"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}