Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

⭐ Recipe Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 8

⭐ Ingredients Needed

For the Pasta

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • Salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1/2 cup shredded Colby Jack

⭐ Directions

1. Cook the Macaroni

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (7–8 minutes).
  3. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add flour and whisk 1–2 minutes to make a roux.
  3. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream while whisking.
  4. Add cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella.
  5. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Combine

  1. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
  2. Stir until fully coated.

4. Bake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
  3. Sprinkle cheddar + Colby Jack on top.
  4. Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

⭐ Serving Suggestions

  • Fried chicken
  • Collard greens
  • Candied yams
  • Smoked turkey
  • Dinner rolls