This Southern-style baked mac and cheese is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. Made with a blend of cheeses and a creamy sauce, it's baked to golden perfection with a crisp, bubbly top. Whether you’re bringing it to a Sunday dinner, holiday table, or potluck, this comforting dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

For more southern side dishes, try our soul food candied yams or southern chicken and dressing recipes next!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra creamy and cheesy. Thanks to cream cheese, sour cream, and four types of freshly grated cheese.
- Rich southern flavor. Enhanced with smoked paprika, mustard powder, and a hint of cayenne.
- Perfectly baked. With a golden, bubbling crust and tender macaroni in every bite.
Ingredients and Substitution Notes
The detailed ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Pasta & Liquid
- Elbow macaroni. You can also use shells, penne, or cavatappi.
- Chicken broth or water for boiling. Broth adds more flavor.
Creamy Base
- Butter. Unsalted is preferred, but salted works too.
- Cream cheese. Optional for extra creaminess. Mascarpone or Neufchâtel are good substitutes.
- Evaporated milk. Can be replaced with whole milk or a mix of milk and cream.
- Half and half. Substitute with equal parts milk and heavy cream.
- Sour cream. Greek yogurt or crème fraîche also work well.
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
- Garlic powder and onion powder. You can also use fresh sautéed garlic and onion.
- Smoked paprika. Regular paprika or chipotle powder are good alternatives.
- Mustard powder. Use Dijon or yellow mustard as a substitute.
- Cayenne pepper. Optional, depending on your spice preference.
Cheese Blend
- Sharp cheddar. Mild or white cheddar are also great options.
- Colby jack. Monterey Jack works as a substitute.
- Mozzarella. Fontina or provolone provide similar meltiness.
- Smoked gouda. Swap with smoked cheddar or gruyère for a smoky flavor.
Binder
- Eggs. Can be replaced with cornstarch or flour for an egg-free version, though texture will vary.
How to Make It
Step 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just shy of al dente. The noodles should still be firm to the bite.
Step 2. Drain, return to the pot, and stir in butter and cubed cream cheese. Keep warm over low heat.
Step 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, half and half, sour cream, and all seasonings until well combined. Stir in the grated cheeses using a wooden spoon, reserving about 1½ cups to sprinkle on top later.
Step 4. Add the warm pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Gently stir in the beaten eggs.
Step 5. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Top with the reserved cheese.
Step 6. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Don’t skip the cream cheese. It adds an incredible silkiness to the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Start with less salt and adjust based on the cheese blend.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this southern baked mac and cheese with:
- Fried catfish or BBQ ribs
- Collard greens or roasted vegetables
- Cornbread or garlic knots
FAQs
What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
A blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, and smoked gouda creates great flavor and meltiness. Feel free to swap cheeses based on your preference.
Can I use milk instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, whole milk or a combination of milk and cream can replace evaporated milk, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
How do I make it spicy?
Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce to increase the heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor. For a dairy-free version, you'd need specialized dairy-free cheeses and cream substitutes, but the texture and taste will differ.
Final Thoughts
This is truly the ultimate baked mac and cheese recipe for any occasion. It’s creamy, bold, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Sunday dinner, or just because, your guests will be begging for the recipe!
More Southern Recipes You Will Love!
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"May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands."
Psalms 90:17
If you tried this Creamy Southern Baked Mac and Cheese recipe, leave a comment and ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below! Don't forget to tag @thepinkowlkitchen on Instagram with your cheesy creations.
📖 Recipe
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese (Soul Food Recipe!)
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dried elbow macaroni
- 6 to 8 cups chicken broth or water - broth adds more flavor
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - plus more for greasing the baking dish
- 4 ounces cream cheese - room temperature, cubed
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt - to taste
- 16 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese - freshly grated
- 8 ounces colby jack cheese - freshly grated
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese - freshly grated
- 4 ounces smoked gouda 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 and cubed creamed cheese. 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.
- Stir in the cheese with a wooden spoon, reserving about a cup and a half 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. Taste the mixture and add more salt to taste if needed. Gently stir in the beaten eggs.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Bake the mac and cheese for 35 to 45 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 affect melting. 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.
- Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Teresa Okeefe
YES!!!!! Please let them know--- NO ROUX!
Michael
My mom's people are from southeast Georgia and this is like they all use to make it. Thank you.
Ashley Boyd
I love that! Southern mac and cheese is something special. Enjoy!
Maggie
I'm anxious to try this but I'm wondering: Is there a reason you add the eggs after the rest of the ingredients are placed in the baking pan, rather than adding to the mixing bowl?
Ashley Boyd
Hi Maggie. You may add the eggs to the mixing bowl. Just be sure to do so after you have tasted for seasoning adjustments. I hope you love the recipe!
Lori
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!
Ashley Boyd
Love to hear it! Thank you for trying our recipe.
Crystal
Hello I am also from Mississippi and I will be making this dish I am so excited love my southern soul foods.
Ashley Boyd
I hope you love the recipe Crystal!
Christina
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!
Ashley Boyd
Awesome! I hope you love the recipe!
Megan
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.
Ashley Boyd
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!
Peggy
There is nothing in the list of recipes how many eggs to add to it. I don’t understand why
Ashley Boyd
Two large eggs!
Marlon Boyd
Perfect mac and cheese! My family loved it! I will def be making this every holiday season!
Ashley Boyd
I'm so happy you and your family love the mac and cheese! Thank you for trying the recipe!
Mike
You think it would hurt to add and extra egg to it?
Ashley Boyd
Not at all! An extra egg will only make it more sturdy and custard-like. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Rebecca
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
Ashley Boyd
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!