By Bring Southern Baked Mac And Cheese to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.
Southern Baked Mac And Cheese captures the essence of meals while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Southern Baked Mac And Cheese becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups (8 ounces) Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups (8 ounces) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1 package (16 oz.) Velveeta Original Loaf, cut into chunks
1-¼ cup milk
2 large eggs
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup (1 stick) butter
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente
Drain the cooked macaroni and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process
Allow it to drain thoroughly.
3
In a medium saucepan, combine the chunks of Velveeta cheese and milk
Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and smooth
Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs until well beaten
Gradually add a scoop of the warm cheese sauce to the beaten eggs, whisking continuously to temper them
Once tempered, add the egg mixture back to the remaining cheese sauce in the saucepan, whisking until fully incorporated.
5
Layer half of the cooked macaroni evenly into the prepared baking dish
Season with salt and pepper to taste
Arrange thin slices of butter evenly over the macaroni
Sprinkle half of the shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the macaroni
Pour half of the cheese sauce over the cheese layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining macaroni, salt, pepper, butter, shredded cheeses, and cheese sauce.
Bake the mac and cheese uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Prep Time: 15 min
Cooking Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
Servings: 10
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~300 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
