How To Make Classic Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

This post was updated 11/20/2019

Related Posts:

• Smoked Mac and Cheese
• Vegan Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer Broccoli and Cheese

Are you ready to groove in the kitchen and whip up a taste of pure soul? We're talkin' about a dish that's as smooth as Luther Vandross, as vibrant as Whitney's high notes, and as comforting as a classic Marvin Gaye tune. That's right, we're diving into the world of Southern Mac and Cheese, where the creamy melody of cheese and pasta takes center stage. So, grab your apron and get ready to cook up a symphony of flavor that'll have you singing, "Ohh, baby, baby!"

Southern Baked Mac and Cheese - decadent, comforting, and creamy mac and cheese recipe perfect as one of your holiday side dishes or a regular Sunday dinner menu item.

My holiday menu features the classics like smoked turkey and honey baked ham, but I use my Thanksgiving side dishes to explore new recipes and have fun. This is true for all sides, except the best baked macaroni and cheese that you'll ever have, aka my version of Southern baked mac and cheese.

I keep it simple, I keep it cheesy, and most importantly I keep it classic! I know many have some of the most creative Mac and cheese recipes featuring ingredients like bacon, jalapenos, and lobster. My holiday playlists typically features some Angela Bofill. Her voice is as comforting as any good bowl of mac and cheese and she is so underrated, underappreciated, unsung!.

My idea of classic southern style mac and cheese is a good melt, strong cheddar taste, and a nice crust. For me its just straight cheese, cream, pasta and simple spices. Only two cheeses, not 3, 4, 5, 6 types. I grew up on humble southern mac and cheese that cost about $2 vs. $20. My cheeses of choice are a really good sharp cheddar and a parmesan.

The Origin of Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese has its roots in Europe, but owes its popularity in American thanks to a former enslaved African American named James Helling. Chef James was both the half-brother of President Jefferson's wife and a servant to Jefferson. Hey it's a complicated story that probably makes a Jerry Springer episode basic lol.

The simple story is Chef Helling during a visit to France with President Jefferson learned many French culinary techniques and introduced some including mac and cheese to Americans. Helling is known as the Godfather of Southern cooking.

Why Is Mac and Cheese Such A Big Deal In Black Households?

Jefferson would help popularize mac and cheese among other foods with the Southern elite. However, given the Helling connection and the eventual black creativity applied to the dish it grew to mean something altogether different to black folk.

In my house growing up like most Southern black households, mac and cheese holds such a special place that it is pretty much served at every holiday gathering including Christmas, Thanksgiving, Kwanzaa, etc.

Not only is it served at all these gatherings, but only the chosen few is allowed the honor to make it. You are straight up royalty if you are crowned the mac and cheese person. It's straightup serious business!

Mac and cheese holds immense importance in African American culinary traditions for several compelling reasons:

1. Historical Significance:
   • Mac and cheese has historical roots in African American cuisine, evolving from traditional African and European influences. Over generations, it has become an integral part of black food culture.
2. Soul Food Staple:
   • Mac and cheese is a quintessential soul food item, representing comfort, family, and community. You see it on soul food restaurant menus nationwide. It embodies the essence of soul food, a cuisine deeply ingrained in African American history and heritage.
3. Community and Togetherness:
   • Sharing mac and cheese during gatherings, celebrations, and holidays fosters a sense of togetherness and community bonding. It brings families and communities together around a common, beloved dish.
4. Symbol of Celebration:
   • Mac and cheese often takes center stage at celebratory events like Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Sunday dinners, and family reunions. Its presence signifies joy, festivity, and the essence of coming together to celebrate.
5. Creativity and Adaptability:
   • African American culinary traditions showcase creativity in adapting mac and cheese recipes. Various interpretations and modifications, using diverse cheeses, spices, or toppings, reflect the creativity within the community.
6. Generational Passing:
   • Black people Mac and cheese recipes are often passed down through generations, carrying with them the flavors and techniques of ancestors. It serves as a way to connect with black heritage and honor the culinary wisdom of previous generations.
7. Legacy and Heritage:
   • By preserving and cherishing the tradition of making mac and cheese, African Americans honor their culinary legacy, reminding themselves of the journey their ancestors undertook and the resilience embedded in their culture.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with mac and cheese)

Pairing Angela Bofill's soulful and romantic ballad "Under The Moon and Over The Sky" with classic Southern baked mac and cheese creates a delightful sensory experience that combines the warmth of comfort food with the emotional depth of music. Here's how these two elements harmonize:

Song: "Under The Moon and Over The Sky" by Angela Bofill

• The song's smooth and soulful melody sets a mellow and soothing tone, evoking feelings of love and nostalgia.
• The romantic lyrics speak of a deep and enduring love, creating an emotional connection with the listener.
• Angela Bofill's expressive vocals convey a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, inviting listeners to embrace the emotions within the song.
• The song's timeless quality resonates with a wide range of audiences, making it a fitting choice for a cozy and heartwarming dining experience.

Classic Southern Baked Mac and Cheese:

• The richness and indulgence of the mac and cheese mirror the depth of emotions found in the song, creating a culinary experience that's both comforting and satisfying.
• The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the pasta represents the embrace of love, much like the emotional embrace portrayed in the song's lyrics.
• The combination of various cheeses in the mac and cheese mirrors the layers of emotion and musical elements in the song.
• The dish's traditional Southern roots evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth, aligning with the song's themes of enduring love and fond memories.

Pairing Experience:

• As you savor each bite of the mac and cheese, let Angela Bofill's heartfelt vocals and the song's romantic lyrics transport you to a space of reflection and connection.
• The melody and lyrics of "Under The Moon and Over The Sky" can enhance the sensory experience of enjoying the mac and cheese, making it feel like a moment of shared intimacy with loved ones.

Incorporate these elements into your dining ambiance by playing "Under The Moon and Over The Sky" softly in the background as you enjoy classic Southern baked mac and cheese. This pairing aims to combine the comfort of delicious food with the emotional resonance of music, creating what recipe calls a memorable and soulful experience.

Best Cheeses For Mac and Cheese?

In my humble opinion, the best macaroni and cheese recipes are generally kept pretty simple. The first choice is a good American sharp cheddar cheese. You can't beat the melt and the flavor, both of which are essential to good mac and cheese. I tend to also lean towards one of the smoked versions. Two is my max number of cheeses, and my second one is one of the creamier type cheeses. I'm partial to pecorino, but parmesan or gruyere are great choices as well.

When it comes to crafting the perfect Southern baked mac and cheese, selecting the right cheeses is crucial to achieving that rich and creamy flavor. A combination of cheeses typically works best to create a balanced and flavorful dish. Here are some of the best cheeses to consider:

1. Cheddar: A staple in mac and cheese recipes, cheddar cheese offers a sharp and tangy flavor that contributes to the dish's overall richness. Sharp cheddar, in particular, brings a robust flavor that stands out in the final result.
2. Gruyère: Adding Gruyère cheese introduces a nutty and slightly sweet flavor to the mac and cheese. It melts beautifully and contributes to the overall complexity of the dish.
3. Colby: Colby jack cheese is similar to cheddar but has a milder flavor. It melts smoothly and helps create a creamy texture in the sauce.
4. Parmesan: For an extra layer of savory depth, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese. Its bold flavor can enhance the overall taste of the mac and cheese.
5. American Cheese: While it might not be the star on its own, American cheese is known for its excellent melting properties. It can help achieve that gooey, cheesy texture many people love in mac and cheese.
6. Fontina: Fontina cheese offers a creamy and buttery flavor that works well in combination with other cheeses. It adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
7. Other considerations include: Monterey jack, Velveeta, or any other good melty cheese.

Mac n Cheese Pasta Selection

Choosing the right pasta is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Southern baked mac and cheese. You'll want a pasta shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce while still offering a satisfying bite. Here are some of the best pasta options for Soulful baked mac and cheese:

1. Elbow Macaroni: This classic choice is a staple for mac and cheese. Its short, curved shape captures the creamy sauce, creating a delightful combination of cheese and pasta in every bite.
2. Penne: Penne's tubular shape with diagonal cuts offers a great balance between holding sauce and maintaining its structure. It's a versatile option that works well in baked dishes.
3. Rigatoni: This large, ridged pasta is excellent for holding rich sauces. The ridges help trap the cheese sauce, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying dish.
4. Fusilli: This pasta has a spiral or helix shape that holds onto sauces effectively. It's a less common choice but can add an interesting twist to your mac and cheese.

Remember to cook the pasta to the al dente stage, as it will continue cooking in the oven during the baking process. Properly cooked pasta ensures that your mac and cheese doesn't turn mushy in the final dish. Ultimately, the best pasta choice depends on your personal preferences and the texture you want to achieve in your Southern baked mac and cheese.

Baked vs. stovetop

I'm not going to get into a debate about which is better, stovetop or baked. That's for another day, but for three years during my days working for Kraft foods I was responsible for tracking cheese recipes consumption. Baked Mac and cheese was tops nationally, but especially in the South. I know stovetop is easier, but I'm strictly a baked Mac and cheese dude. I gotta have that crust like Nola Darling, plus that roasted pasta taste and creamy bechamel sauce are non-negotiable.

Ingredients Needed to Make Soul Food Baked Macaroni

• Elbow macaroni or shells
• Unsalted butter - Using unsalted butter in a mac and cheese recipe allows for better control over the dish's overall flavor and level of saltiness. It gives you the freedom to adjust and tailor the salt content to your taste preferences.
• All-purpose flour - All-purpose flour is used in a mac and cheese recipe to create a roux, a thickening agent that gives the cheese sauce its desired consistency and texture. The roux, made by combining flour and fat (typically butter), helps in binding the cheese and liquids together, preventing the sauce from being too thin or clumpy. It provides a smooth and creamy base for the cheese to meld into, resulting in a velvety sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Mustard powder - Dry mustard powder is used in mac and cheese to add depth of flavor and a subtle kick without making the dish taste distinctly like mustard. It enhances the overall taste of the cheese sauce by providing a hint of spiciness and tanginess, balancing the richness and creaminess of the cheese. The mustard powder complements and heightens the flavors of the other ingredients, contributing to a more complex and satisfying mac and cheese experience.
• Whole Milk - Milk is a crucial ingredient in mac and cheese as it serves multiple purposes in achieving the desired texture and creaminess of the dish. Milk adds creaminess to the cheese sauce, providing a smooth and luscious texture that coats the pasta evenly. It helps bind the cheese, creating a rich and velvety sauce.
• Heavy cream - Heavy cream is used in mac and cheese to intensify the richness, creaminess, and indulgence of the dish. Heavy cream has a high fat content, adding a luxurious creaminess and richness to the cheese sauce. This enhances the overall mouthfeel and taste of the mac and cheese. The fat content in heavy cream contributes to a smoother and silkier texture in the sauce, making it velvety and delightful.
• Bay leaf - Bay leaves are used in mac and cheese primarily to impart a subtle, aromatic flavor to the dish. While bay leaves themselves don't have an intense flavor, they can enhance the overall taste of the cheese sauce by imparting a subtle herbal undertone.
• Smoked paprika - Smoked paprika is used in mac and cheese to introduce a unique, smoky flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish. It also adds a warm, reddish-brown hue to the mac and cheese, enhancing its visual appeal and making the dish even more enticing.
• Sharp cheddar Cheese - Sharp cheddar cheese is used in mac and cheese to bring a robust, tangy, and intense flavor to the dish. Sharp cheddar cheese has a strong, pronounced flavor compared to milder cheddars, adding a bold and tangy taste to the mac and cheese.
• Parmesan or pecorino cheese grated - Pecorino cheese has a sharp, salty, and tangy flavor that stands out and brings a unique taste to the mac and cheese. Its distinctiveness adds depth to the dish. The saltiness of pecorino cheese enhances the savory umami taste of the dish, contributing to a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. When melted, pecorino cheese adds a smooth and creamy texture to the cheese sauce, making the mac and cheese more velvety and delightful. Pecorino cheese, when combined with other cheeses, helps balance the overall taste of the mac and cheese, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Kosher salt - Obviously salt is used to season things, especially the pasta when boiling. The best mac and cheese is highly flavorful thanks to being seasoned at every step. Salted that water makes a big difference.
• Black pepper - Black pepper is used in mac and cheese to add a subtle spiciness, depth of flavor, and a touch of heat to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• Garlic powder (optional)

For the Crust

• Unsalted butter
• Panko bread crumbs - Panko bread crumbs are used in mac and cheese to add a crispy, golden topping that enhances the texture and presentation of the dish.
• Sharp cheddar cheese

How to make baked mac and cheese

Step 1: Grate your cheese

Step 2: Boil salted water

Step 3: Cook macaroni

Step 4: Make the roux and cheese sauce

Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce

Step 6: Top the macaroni mixture with a layer of cheese

Step 7: Make the crust

Step 8: Bake the mac and cheese

What to Serve With Soul Food Mac and Cheese

Complementing your Southern baked mac and cheese with the right soul food recipes can create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Collard Greens: A classic Southern side dish, collard greens are often cooked with smoked meats or seasonings for a savory and slightly bitter flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of mac and cheese.
2. Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken is a Southern favorite that brings a delightful contrast of textures and flavors to the creamy mac and cheese.
3. Cornbread: Serve up some warm, buttery hot water cornbread to add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch that complements the cheesy goodness of the mac and cheese.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans provide a hearty and flavorful contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, creating a balanced combination of tastes.
5. Okra: Whether fried or sautéed, okra brings a unique texture and mild flavor that complements the heartiness of the mac and cheese.
6. Buttermilk Biscuits: Fluffy and buttery biscuits are a versatile side that can be used to scoop up the mac and cheese or simply enjoyed on their own.

Best Macaroni and Cheese Cooking tips

• Choose the right macaroni pasta. You can never go wrong with elbow, but more importantly, choose a pasta that has different nooks and crannies for the cheese to find its way into. They're good at holding the melted cheese so you get the goods with every bite
• Heavily salt the water before boiling the water
• Don't cook beyond al dente (pasta should be cooked but chewy) because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven
• Choose a good American cheese as your base, as they tend to melt better. Take it easy on the different number of cheeses as you can end up with competing strong ones. One sharp and one creamy (gruyere, parmesan) is enough
• Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded store-bought has different types of stabilizers
• Sour cream, cream cheese, or evaporated milk depending on your preference can be added to cheese sauce for added creaminess. It can enhance the overall flavor and texture of the cheese sauce.
• Don't skip the roux, as it's what gives Mac and cheese texture. Flavor your roux with pepper, bay leaves, and spices like mustard powder and paprika
• Toss the cooked pasta in butter before adding your cheese sauce. This will help the cheese stick to the pasta better
• Make that crust by mixing melted butter, bread crumbs, and cheese then topping the dish before baking
• Keep the ingredients simple. Focus on a few, high-quality ones

FAQs About Making Mac N Cheese

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for mac and cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it may contain additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of your sauce. For the best results, it's recommended to shred your own cheese from blocks for a smoother and creamier sauce.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming dry after baking?

To prevent dryness, ensure that your cheese sauce is creamy and slightly loose before baking. Also, avoid overcooking the pasta before baking and cover the dish with foil during baking to trap moisture.

Can I make mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time, assemble it in the baking dish, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it come to room temperature for a bit before baking as directed in your recipe.

How do I achieve a crispy breadcrumb topping?

To achieve a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and seasonings. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese before baking. You can also broil the dish for a minute or two at the end of baking to achieve extra crispiness.

Why do some recipes use a roux in the cheese sauce?

A roux (flour and fat mixture) is often used to thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth texture. It also helps prevent the sauce from separating during baking.

For other comforting cheesy recipes check out these: brisket grilled cheese sandwich or grilled cheese with andouille sausage.

For other comforting cheesy recipes check out these: brisket grilled cheese sandwich or grilled cheese with andouille sausage.

Making this Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe

In the grand finale of our Southern Mac and Cheese culinary escapade, we've taken you on a comfort food journey that hits all the right notes. Creamy, indulgent, and steeped in Southern tradition, this Mac and Cheese recipe has graced tables for generations, bringing smiles and warmth to gatherings big and small.

The blend of cheeses, the comforting embrace of milk, and the perfect al dente pasta create a symphony of flavors and textures that'll keep you coming back for encore after encore. So, grab large bowl and a spoon, take a bite, and let the Southern comfort carry you away. Here's to the timeless delight of homemade Mac and Cheese - a true classic! ??

If you add this southern baked mac and cheese recipe to your holiday side dishes or Sunday dinners, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

You can also keep up with my food exploits as well as original recipes! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Lastly, go to my YouTube channel and subscribe to be notified when new weekly videos are uploaded.

Sharing is caring!