Description
This Southern baked macaroni and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crust that’s irresistible. Perfect for Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or any time you crave comfort food, this recipe blends cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan with a buttery, seasoned sauce that hugs every piece of pasta. It’s a dish that brings warmth, nostalgia, and smiles around the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tbsp butter, melted for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
- Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, cook 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream until thickened.
- Stir in cheeses and seasonings, taste and adjust.
- Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, pour into dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Add bacon, caramelized onions, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.
- Resting the dish before serving prevents sauce from spilling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6–8
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg