Why You’ll Love this Southern Baked Macaroni
Every Southern cook needs a reliable baked macaroni recipe in their arsenal, and this one might just become your new favorite.
What makes it special? It’s the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy with that coveted golden-brown top that makes people come back for seconds.
I love how versatile this dish is—perfect for Sunday dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need something that’ll please even the pickiest eaters.
The combination of mozzarella and cheddar creates a depth of flavor that store-bought versions can’t touch.
And that slow bake? It lets all those flavors meld together into something truly magical.
What Ingredients are in Southern Baked Macaroni?
Southern baked macaroni is comfort food at its finest, relying on simple, hearty ingredients that transform into something greater than the sum of their parts. The magic of this dish comes from the perfect balance of pasta and cheese, with just enough binding ingredients to create that custardy texture that defines authentic Southern mac and cheese.
Unlike stovetop versions, this baked variety develops those coveted crispy edges and that beautiful golden top that makes everyone reach for the corner piece.
- 1 (14½ ounce) box elbow macaroni
- 3-4 tablespoons butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon salt (to taste)
- 2 teaspoons pepper (to taste)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. For the cheeses, try to grate them yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can affect the meltability.
The combination of stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar creates the perfect texture and flavor balance. And don’t skimp on the butter—it adds richness that makes this dish truly Southern.
How to Make this Southern Baked Macaroni
Making Southern baked macaroni starts with properly cooking 1 (14½ ounce) box of elbow macaroni—and trust me, the instructions to “DO NOT OVER COOK” are there for good reason. Al dente pasta holds up better during the long baking process, preventing your mac and cheese from turning mushy.
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, drain it thoroughly in a strainer, then transfer it to a large, deep casserole dish where the magic really begins.
Now comes the layering of flavors. Add 3-4 tablespoons of butter while the pasta is still hot, allowing it to melt completely. This is where the recipe gets wonderfully interactive—you’ll add 1 tablespoon of salt, taste, then 2 teaspoons of pepper, tasting after each addition to make any necessary adjustments.
Next, fold in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella and 3 cups of cheddar cheese (saving 1 cup of cheddar for later), creating that gloriously stretchy, gooey texture we all crave. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs thoroughly before stirring them into the mixture with a wooden spoon—these eggs are the secret to that custardy interior that defines Southern baked mac and cheese.
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while the eggs set.
The final touch is what gives this dish its signature appeal. After the initial baking time, remove the foil and sprinkle that reserved cup of cheddar cheese across the top. Return it to the oven, uncovered this time, for another 15-30 minutes until you achieve that perfect golden-brown crust.
Those extra minutes are worth the wait—they’re what create those coveted crispy edges and that beautifully browned top that makes Southern baked macaroni utterly irresistible. The dish needs a few minutes to set before serving, which gives you just enough time to round up the family for this crowd-pleasing comfort classic.
Southern Baked Macaroni Substitutions and Variations
While classic recipes stand the test of time, knowing how to adapt this Southern baked macaroni gives you incredible flexibility in the kitchen.
I often swap cheese varieties when my cheddar supply runs low—Gouda adds smokiness, while Gruyère brings a nutty depth that’s divine.
No mozzarella? Monterey Jack works beautifully. For a protein boost, fold in crispy bacon bits or diced ham before baking. Sometimes I sneak in vegetables (don’t tell the kids)—roasted broccoli or caramelized onions blend right in.
Gluten-free? Simply substitute the elbows with your favorite alternative pasta. The soul of Southern comfort remains intact, regardless of these tweaks.
What to Serve with Southern Baked Macaroni
When you’ve perfected your creamy, cheesy Southern baked macaroni, the next question becomes what to serve alongside this comfort food masterpiece.
I’ve found that balancing rich mac and cheese with something fresh works wonders – think collard greens, green beans, or a crisp garden salad.
For a true Southern spread, pair it with fried chicken, pulled pork, or meatloaf.
My family goes wild when I serve it with barbecue ribs, the tangy sauce cutting through the cheese’s richness.
Don’t forget cornbread or biscuits for sopping up every last bit of cheesy goodness.
Trust me, your dinner table will never be the same.
Final Thoughts
After creating this Southern baked macaroni countless times for my family gatherings, I’ve come to appreciate how something so simple can bring so much joy to the dinner table.
That golden, cheesy crust hiding the creamy goodness underneath never disappoints.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is.
Having a cheese lover in the house? Add extra mozzarella.
Need it spicier? Bump up the pepper.
The key is tasting as you go.
