Easy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and topped with a delicious golden crust. Made with tender macaroni, a homemade cheese sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, this classic dish is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something warm and satisfying. Every bite is loaded with creamy cheese and baked to perfection.

One of the reasons this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is so popular is because it’s made completely from scratch using simple ingredients. The creamy cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the crispy baked topping adds the perfect contrast in texture. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough to serve on special occasions.

If you’re looking for a homemade pasta dish that’s cheesy, comforting, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Also Try: Healthy And Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe For Dinner

What Is Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is a classic casserole made with cooked elbow macaroni, a rich homemade cheese sauce, and shredded cheese that’s baked until hot, bubbly, and golden brown.

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect as a main dish or a side for barbecues, roasted meats, holiday dinners, and family meals.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley

Yield

This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe serves 8 people.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

How to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Add the Cheese

Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has completely melted into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece of pasta is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Add the Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, remaining Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta. Bake the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Healthy Tips

• Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
• Choose reduced-fat cheese if preferred.
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
• Reduce the amount of butter for a lighter dish.
• Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream if desired.
• Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with grilled chicken.
• Pair with barbecue ribs.
• Enjoy with roasted vegetables.
• Serve alongside a green salad.
• Pair with garlic bread.
• Add crispy bacon on top.
• Serve with tomato soup.
• Pair with baked ham.
• Enjoy with fried chicken.
• Add chopped parsley before serving.
• Serve at holiday dinners.
• Enjoy warm from the oven.

Variations

Bacon Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mix 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the macaroni before baking. The smoky bacon adds rich flavor and a delicious crispy texture throughout the casserole.

Top with a little extra cheddar cheese before baking for an even cheesier finish.

Buffalo Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Stir 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and ¼ cup of buffalo sauce into the cheese sauce before combining it with the pasta. The buffalo sauce adds a bold, tangy kick that’s balanced by the creamy cheese.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving for extra freshness.

Three Cheese Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Replace the mozzarella with Gruyère or Monterey Jack and increase the Parmesan for an extra rich cheese blend. The combination creates a deeper flavor and an even creamier texture.

Bake until golden and bubbly, then serve immediately for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Storage

Allow the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe to cool completely.

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Add a splash of milk before reheating if needed.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Store tightly covered to prevent drying out.

Use clean utensils when serving leftovers.

Enjoy the Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe warm for the best flavor and creamy texture.

Conclusion

This easy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and baked with a crispy golden topping that’s impossible to resist. Made with a rich homemade cheese sauce and simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, potlucks, or any time you’re craving comfort food. Whether served as a main course or a hearty side dish, this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

If you enjoyed this Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe, you can also try creamy stovetop mac and cheese, baked pasta casserole, cheesy broccoli pasta, or chicken Alfredo bake for even more comforting homemade meals.