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    Pink Owl Kitchen » southern recipes » Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe)

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe)

    Published: Jul 10, 2019 · Modified: Mar 19, 2023 by Ashley · This post may contain affiliate links

    JUMP TO RECIPE
    southern baked macaroni and cheese on a spoon with in a white baking dish in the background

    A classic, soul food southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe that bakes up firm but creamy with a delicious crusty top. Made with evaporated milk, cream, eggs, and three types of cheeses, this mac and cheese is rich, indulgent comfort food at its best!

    I don't think many people realize how seriously we Black folks take our mac and cheese in the South. Some people joke that you need at least five years of experience and ten references to make the holiday mac and cheese and that's pretty close to accurate!

    For more authentic southern recipes, check out our Southern Candied Yams and Old Fashioned Banana Pudding recipes next!

    Southern baked mac and cheese on a spoon.
    Jump to:
    • What Is Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese?
    • Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe
    • How To Make This Recipe
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • What Cheeses Are Best For Mac and Cheese?
    • Do I Need To Put Eggs In Macaroni and Cheese?
    • More FAQs
    • Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions
    • Tips For The Best Macaroni and Cheese
    • What To Serve With Southern Macaroni and Cheese
    • Recommended Tools for Making This Recipe
    • More Southern Recipes You Will Love!
    • 📖 Recipe
    • Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe)

    What Is Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese?

    We do mac and cheese a little differently in the South, and it has taken me quite some time to perfect this recipe. Soul food mac and cheese is super rich and has a custard-like but creamy texture and a golden-brown crust on top.

    Contrary to what you may have heard, there is no roux in traditional southern mac and cheese! At least not in the soul food version that Black folks like my family have enjoyed for decades.

    Southern macaroni and cheese is made using eggs as the binder instead of flour, which is the base of most other creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipes. Another ingredient that stands out in Southern mac and cheese is evaporated milk.

    Evaporated milk is shelf-stable milk that has been heated to evaporate most of the water. Evaporated milk gives this mac and cheese an extra-rich flavor and a creamy consistency.

    Southern baked mac & cheese in a baking dish sitting on a gray surface.

    Ingredients You Need To Make This Recipe

    Measurements and step-by-step recipe instructions area in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.

    • Elbow macaroni pasta. Traditional southern macaroni and cheese is made with elbow noodles. No need to get fancy with the shapes here!
    • Unsalted butter. To toss the cooked pasta in to keep it from sticking and butter the baking dish.
    • Evaporated milk. Evaporated milk is concentrated, shelf-stable milk that helps gives this macaroni and cheese its richness and creaminess. Evaporated milk is heated so that most of the water evaporates before it is homogenized and canned.
    • Half and half. Half and half is combined with the evaporated milk in the custard-like base for this recipe. You can also use whole milk if you do not have half and half.
    • Sour cream. I added this ingredient to this mac and cheese recipe because of the subtle tanginess and additional creaminess that it adds. I always get asked what I put in my mac and cheese because there's just something extra delicious that people can't quite put their finger on, and they're usually surprised to hear that's it sour cream!
    • Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. These are the spices used to flavor the macaroni and cheese.
    • Large eggs. Eggs act as the binder for this mac and cheese instead of the roux that most baked mac and cheese recipes feature. This is one of the things that sets southern mac and cheese apart from others.
    • Freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar, Colby jack, and Monterey jack cheeses. These are the cheeses used for this recipe and we use lots of it in this macaroni and cheese! Do not use pre-shredded cheese!
    Southern macaroni and cheese ingredients spread out on a gray surface.

    How To Make This Recipe

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
    • Cook the elbow macaroni noodles in salted water until they are almost al-dente and still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, place it back in the pot, and toss it with two tablespoons of butter.
    • Add the evaporated milk, half and half, sour cream, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl, and whisk to combine. Taste the milk mixture and add more salt to taste until you are pleased with the flavor.
    • Stir in the cheese with a wooden spoon, reserving about a cup for topping the mac and cheese. Pour the warm elbow macaroni into the bowl with the milk mixture and stir to combine all of the ingredients.
    • Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish, stir in the beaten eggs, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake the mac and cheese for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Allow the mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes and enjoy!
    Step by step images for making southern baked macaroni and cheese.

    Variations and Substitutions

    If you do not have evaporated milk on hand, you can use regular whole milk instead. However, I highly recommend trying it with evaporated milk for the old-school, extra-rich macaroni and cheese I grew up eating in Mississippi!

    You can also experiment with different ratios of heavy cream, whole milk, and/or half and half until you find which combination gives you the best result.

    Southern baked macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.

    What Cheeses Are Best For Mac and Cheese?

    Many Southerners swear by adding American cheese or Velveeta to mac and cheese, and I'm not against either. Just make sure you choose good melting cheeses and grate them at home yourself.

    Use a food processor with the grater attachment to save time. Some of my cheese suggestions for mac and cheese are:

    • Mozzarella
    • Gouda
    • Fontina
    • Gruyere
    • Pepper jack
    Southern baked mac and cheese on a spoon.

    Do I Need To Put Eggs In Macaroni and Cheese?

    While you do not have to put eggs in macaroni and cheese, they are used in southern-style mac and cheese recipes to give the dish structure and to bind the ingredients. Many macaroni and cheese recipes call for flour to be cooked in butter, better known as a roux, as the base for the recipe.

    Eggs give southern mac and cheese a characteristic sturdy structure that is still creamy and cheesy. Southern macaroni and cheese is more of a custard than its roux-containing counterparts.

    Southern baked macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.

    More FAQs

    Why is my mac and cheese dry?

    If your mac and cheese turns out dry, you may have undercooked your pasta or overbaked the mac and cheese. Cook the macaroni noodles until they are al dente, but still have some bite to them. If the pasta is undercooked, it will absorb too much moisture while the mac and cheese bakes, causing it to turn out dry.

    Bake the mac and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown. Baking it too long can cause it to dry out.

    What does evaporated milk do to macaroni and cheese?

    Evaporated milk contains much less water than whole milk, which gives southern mac and cheese a rich flavor and a creamy, sturdy texture.

    Can I freeze mac and cheese?

    You can combine all of the ingredients and freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer bag before it is baked. The mac and cheese will last up to 3 months in the freezer. I do not recommend freezing baked mac and cheese as it does not thaw and reheat well.

    Southern baked mac and cheese on a spoon.

    Make-Ahead and Storing Instructions

    You can assemble this macaroni and cheese a day ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve. Assemble the mac and cheese, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Take it out about 30 minutes before you plan to bake it.

    Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat mac and cheese in the microwave or oven.

    Tips For The Best Macaroni and Cheese

    • Do not use pre-shredded cheese! Buy blocks of cheese and shred it at home with a box grater or a food processor with the grater attachment. Packaged pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents added to them which prevent them from melting well.
      • Trust me on this if you want extra creamy macaroni and cheese that gives you an epic cheese pull!
    • Southern mac and cheese has a characteristic crusty top that is so dang good! Try turning on the oven broiler for the last couple of minutes to get an even crustier top on your mac!
    Southern baked macaroni and cheese in a white baking dish.

    What To Serve With Southern Macaroni and Cheese

    Soul food is made with love and when I serve my southern style mac and cheese I like to pair it with other comforting southern dishes. Try serving this macaroni and cheese with some of the following for an authentic down-home meal:

    • Southern Smothered Chicken
    • Southern Salmon Croquettes
    • Oven Fried Catfish
    • Hot Water Cornbread
    • Southern Fried Okra
    • Buttermilk Cornbread Muffins
    • Southern Green Beans
    • Soul Food Collard Greens
    • Classic Southern Buttermilk Cornbread
    • Hummingbird Cupcakes
    • Southern Buttermilk Pie

    Recommended Tools for Making This Recipe

    • 9 x 13 baking dish
    • Cheese grater
    • Mixing bowl
    • Whisk
    Southern baked mac and cheese on a spoon.

    More Southern Recipes You Will Love!

    • Classic Southern Coleslaw
    • Southern Hush Puppies
    • Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
    • Biscuits and Sausage Gravy
    • Louisiana Red Beans and Rice
    • Cajun Shrimp and Grits
    • Bananas Foster French Toast
    • Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cakes
    • Southern Pecan Pie
    • Southern Sweet Potato Pie

    📖 Recipe

    Southern baked mac and cheese on a spoon.

    Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe)

    Ashley
    A classic, soul food southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe that bakes up firm but creamy with a delicious crusty top. Made with evaporated milk, cream, eggs, and three types of cheeses, this mac and cheese is rich, indulgent comfort food at its best!
    4.59 from 85 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 45 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine American
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Servings 10 Servings
    Calories 642 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9 x 13 baking dish
    • Mixing bowls
    • Box cheese grater

    Ingredients
      

    • 16 ounces dried elbow macaroni
    • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for greasing the baking dish
    • 1, 12-ounce can evaporated milk
    • 1 cup half and half
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • 1-2 teaspoons salt see note
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
    • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 16 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
    • 8 ounces colby jack cheese freshly grated
    • 8 ounces monterey jack cheese freshly grated
    • 2 large eggs beaten

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9 x 13 baking dish and set aside.
    • Cook the elbow macaroni noodles in salted water until they are almost al-dente and still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, place it back in the pot, and toss it with two tablespoons of butter. Keep the pasta warm over low heat while combining the other ingredients.
    • Add the evaporated milk, half and half, sour cream, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl, and whisk to combine. Taste the milk mixture and add more salt to taste until you are pleased with the flavor.
    • Stir in the cheese with a wooden spoon, reserving about a cup for topping the mac and cheese. Pour the warm elbow macaroni into the bowl with the milk and cheese mixture and stir to combine all of the ingredients.
    • Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish, stir in the beaten eggs, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake the mac and cheese for 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Allow the mac and cheese to cool for about 10 minutes and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Use freshly grated cheese! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents added that prevent it from melting as well as freshly grated cheese. Use a food processor with the grater attachment to save time.
    • Taste the mac and cheese for seasoning before adding the eggs and add more salt to taste if needed.
    • Leftover macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat mac and cheese in the microwave or oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1servingCalories: 642kcalCarbohydrates: 42.3gProtein: 31.4gFat: 38.2gSaturated Fat: 24.2gCholesterol: 139mgSodium: 996mgPotassium: 296mgFiber: 1.6gSugar: 5.3gCalcium: 824mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword baked macaroni and cheese, mac and cheese, soul food macaroni and cheese, southern baked mac and cheese, southern macaroni and cheese
    Tried this recipe?Tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram! And don't forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and review!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rebecca

      November 06, 2021 at 8:45 pm

      How has no one commented on this yet!? This Mac and cheese is DELICIOUS and now a staple in our home. I could actually live off it. My grandmother was from the south and we grew up with Mac and cheese on the thanksgiving table and while I loved it, I love trying more bold and spiced recipes. This one is it. Thank you for this delicious recipe and today it’s being served at our Friendsgiving

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        November 17, 2021 at 4:46 pm

        Hi Rebecca,

        This comment just warms my heart! I am so happy that you enjoy the flavors of this southern mac and cheese recipe! I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

        Reply
    2. Marlon Boyd

      April 26, 2022 at 2:12 am

      5 stars
      Perfect mac and cheese! My family loved it! I will def be making this every holiday season!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        April 26, 2022 at 3:35 am

        I'm so happy you and your family love the mac and cheese! Thank you for trying the recipe!

        Reply
    3. Peggy

      April 26, 2022 at 7:18 pm

      There is nothing in the list of recipes how many eggs to add to it. I don’t understand why

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        April 26, 2022 at 7:26 pm

        Two large eggs!

        Reply
    4. Megan

      June 04, 2022 at 3:25 pm

      5 stars
      I wish I could give this 10 stars! I’m also from the south and this macaroni and cheese recipe is the closest to what I ate growing up out of all that I’ve tried! This is true, southern style mac and cheese! I will keep this recipe handy for every holiday and family dinner.

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        June 10, 2022 at 5:06 pm

        Megan, this comment just made my day! I’m so happy you enjoyed the macaroni and cheese recipe. Thank you for giving it a try!

        Reply
    5. Christina

      November 19, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      5 stars
      I have been looking for a good Mac & Cheese recipe! I love the fact you have eggs in it. I will be making this for our Thanksgiving spread this year. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        November 21, 2022 at 4:12 pm

        Awesome! I hope you love the recipe!

        Reply
    6. Crystal

      November 20, 2022 at 6:24 pm

      Hello I am also from Mississippi and I will be making this dish I am so excited love my southern soul foods.

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        November 21, 2022 at 4:10 pm

        I hope you love the recipe Crystal!

        Reply
    7. Lori

      November 23, 2022 at 1:27 am

      5 stars
      Did a dry run of this recipe and it was yummy!!!! Going to tweak it a bit to make it a little less salty ( hypertension runs in the family) but otherwise it was perfect! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Ashley Boyd

        November 28, 2022 at 10:00 pm

        Love to hear it! Thank you for trying our recipe.

        Reply

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    Hi! I'm Ashley.

    I am a new mom, wife, and creator of all you see here at Pink Owl Kitchen. All of our recipes are influenced by my southern upbringing and are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients to encourage families to come together around the dinner table more!

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