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Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
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- Best Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- What is the difference between southern mac and cheese and other mac and cheese recipes?
- How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?
- What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese?
- What milk is best for mac and cheese?
- Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- How do you make southern mac and cheese from scratch?
- Equipment
- Baked Mac and Cheese Tips and F.A.Q.
- More Holiday Recipes You'll Love
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Comments
What is the difference between southern mac and cheese and other mac and cheese recipes?

How do you keep mac and cheese creamy?

Secret #1: Overcook your macaroni

Secret #2: Mascarpone

Secret #3: Coat your macaroni in butter

Not-So-Secret #4: Freshly Grated Cheese

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese?
What milk is best for mac and cheese?
Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Check the recipe card below for the full ingredient measurements and instructions, but here's a quick look at the simple ingredients you'll need to make this delicious baked mac and cheese!

How do you make southern mac and cheese from scratch?
Equipment
Baked Mac and Cheese Tips and F.A.Q.
More Holiday Recipes You'll Love
If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!
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Creamy southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe with a secret ingredient is always one of my most popular recipes! This is the best southern baked mac and cheese recipe, the ultimate comfort food for Sunday dinner or a holiday celebration! You'll love this old fashioned mac and cheese with evaporated milk!
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 463kcal
Equipment you may need
- 3-quart casserole dish
- cheese grater
Ingredients
- 2 cups (275 g) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoon (30 ml) unsalted butter - plus more for baking dish
- 1 large egg - beaten, room temperature
- 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- 1 cup (249 g) whole milk - room temperature
- 8 oz (227 g) extra-sharp white cheddar cheese - good quality
- 12 oz (340 g) mild cheddar cheese - or another mild cheese like monterey jack, fontina, colby jack, or gouda
- 8 oz (227 g) mascarpone cheese - room temperature
- 1½ tsp. (9 g) salt - or to taste (taste mixture before adding egg)
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) cajun or creole seasoning
- ½ teaspoon (2 ml) dry mustard powder - or 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon (1 ml) ground nutmeg
- fresh cracked pepper - for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 3-quart casserole dish or 9x13 pan with butter or spray with cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni in unsalted water according to package directions, adding 2 minutes to the maximum time listed on the package (I usually aim for 12 minutes). Drain; stir butter into macaroni until butter is melted.2 cups elbow macaroni, 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- While macaroni is boiling, shred cheese blocks using a box grater or food processor. Combine shredded cheese varieties until evenly mixed.8 oz extra-sharp white cheddar cheese, 12 oz mild cheddar cheese
- In a large bowl, whisk together mascarpone and evaporated milk until smooth (there may still be some lumps, which are okay).8 oz mascarpone cheese, 1 13 oz. can evaporated milk
- Mix in the milk, followed by the salt, creole seasoning, mustard powder, and nutmeg.1 cup whole milk, 1½ tsp. salt, 1 teaspoon cajun or creole seasoning, ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Add buttered macaroni to the bowl, followed by ½ of cheese. Stir to combine.
- Taste mixture to see if seasonings are to your preference and adjust if necessary. Stir in beaten egg.1 large egg
- Pour half of mixture into a 9x13 baking dish, using a spoon to distribute evenly if needed. Sprinkle half of remaining cheese on top, then repeat with remaining macaroni mixture and remaining cheese. Top with some fresh cracked pepper, if you like.fresh cracked pepper
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese on top is melted and filling is bubbling. If you prefer a browner top, place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully so it doesn't burn. Cool about 15 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
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Notes
Make-ahead instructions: You can prepare this baked mac and cheese the night before and bake the following day! Just complete all the steps except the last one (baking), and place in the fridge covered with plastic wrap. The next day, bake in preheated oven as normal, although you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the cook time.
Freezing: This soul food baked mac and cheese freezes very well! Just cool the mac and cheese completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw, still wrapped, in the fridge before baking as usual.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 463 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28 g | Protein: 24 g | Fat: 28 g | Saturated Fat: 17 g | Cholesterol: 107 mg | Sodium: 872 mg | Potassium: 435 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 12 g | Calcium: 628 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!
Last Updated on October 25, 2025 by Chenée Lewis











Keisha says
This is THE ONE!! I’m not bothering with a roux anymore, I’m Team Egg! I knew as soon as I found the recipe it was going to be like my grandmother’s. Thank you!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you so much that's very high praise 😊 so glad you liked it!!
Erika says
The best Mac and cheese I’ve made so far. No more roux for me. I decided to use this recipe for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. I’ll use this version from now on. Thank you for sharing.
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you! Glad you liked it!
Meegan says
My grandmother used to make a recipe like this only she used spaghetti noodles and crushed Ritz crackers on top patted with butter. I followed your recipe but with spaghetti and Ritz. DELICIOUS! THANK YOU 😊
Chenée Lewis says
That sounds so yummy! Glad you liked it!!
Sandy says
Hi. I made this and followed the recipe. It seems too watery. We checked the amount of milk and evaporated milk and we did it right except the evaporated milk was a 12 oz. can, not 13 so if anything I thought it might be thicker. Let me know what your thoughts are please. Thank you.
Sandy
Chenée Lewis says
It sounds like it was undercooked -- you'll want to leave it in the oven until the filling is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
Tracy Armbruster says
This is an amazing recipe. Followed it to the letter and it was perfect. Took it to a work Potluck and it was devoured within about 10 minutes. Had multiple requests to share your recipe. Thank you for such a wonderful comfort food dish and for your tips. They were spot on.
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that! It's always a hit for me too when I make it for a crowd!
Angela says
My new favorite mac and cheese recipe! This was so creamy and delicious!
Chenée Lewis says
It's definitely my favorite! Glad you liked it!
Elizabeth says
I'm drooling! I can't wait to make this. There's nothing tastier than baked mac and cheese. Thanks for another great recipe.
Kim says
I made this for a church potluck and everyone asked for the recipe. I directed them your way! So delicious.
Chenée Lewis says
Yayy! Thanks!
Deidre says
This is thee best mac and cheese ever! Creamy and delicious with just the right amount of cheese(s). I made it last night for Thanksgiving (today) and my family and I "tasted" it, but it was so delicious, that we devoured 1/4 of the casserole dish already! Mmmm good!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad to hear that! It's my go-to every holiday season!
Casey says
I absolutely love Southern baked mac and cheese - living in the North, I don't get it too often, but I'm definitely going to be making this! It looks incredible!
Chenée Lewis says
Let me know how you like it!
dana says
Outstanding! Loved the crispy cheesy golden top. Truly the best kind of homemade mac and cheese.
Chenée Lewis says
I agree 100%!
Naiomi says
The BEST Mac & Cheese recipe out there! No need to look further. My favorite mix of cheese to use is jalapeño jack, smoked Gouda, and a sharp white cheddar. Dont skip the mascarpone, it’s definitely the secret ingredient. Thank you for sharing such a delicious dish!
Chenée Lewis says
I love the combination of cheeses you use! Glad you like it!
Doris says
Hello Chenee:
I just wanted to tell you I have now found the PERFECT mac and cheese recipe of all time! I sort of never liked any mac and cheese with eggs... too eggy a flavor. I figured this recipe would not be that way... now, I did two things differently from your original recipe... I used half and half as I had no whole milk and I cut back on the cream cheese (mascarone) to 4 oz. Everything was done the same way. I did use extra sharp white Vermont cheddar and a medium cheddar cheese . Seasoning were the same amount. Just took it out of the oven...If I can post a photo of this creation I will. This is THE ONE! Thank you!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so happy to hear that you like it!! It's the one I make over and over.
Kristin keenan says
I tried making this but something must be wrong -is the cook time 1 hour 10 minutes at 375? Or 30 minutes at 375 -the dish did not brown at all
Chenée Lewis says
It's 30 minutes at 375, and you can broil it for a few minutes to brown the top further.
Julie says
This mac and cheese was amazing. I made dinner for a bunch of guys and they all loved it. Thanks so much for sharing. My grocery was out of marcapone cheese so I substituted creme fraiche and it worked perfectly. This recipe is now my go to for mac and cheese. Thanks Chenee!
Chenée Lewis says
Wonderful! And I'm glad to hear that creme fraiche was a good substitution!
Tommy T says
I made this for the first time adding sliced, baked deli ham. Using an 8 oz brick of extra sharp cheddar, 4 oz of pepper jack and 4 oz of colby jack and substituted cream cheese for the mascarpone I also added half a little tub of crumbly gorgonzola. Good Lord! Added 10 minutes to the cooking with also adding buttered panko bread crumbs with real bacon bits and Parmesan the last 15 minutes of cooking, for an additional crusty top. (You can also add it under the broiler for a couple minutes just keep an eye on it). That was the most AMAZING macaroni and cheese I've ever had! Thank You for this recipe!
Chenée Lewis says
I'm so glad you liked it!! And that it worked with your additions and substitutions. Thank you!
Casey says
I've been craving mac and cheese so much lately. I'm taking this post as a sign to make some! Thanks so much for sharing!
Patricia says
What a favorite side dish! Love this comfort food with the classic Southern love! Thanks for sharing!
Holley says
This baked mac and cheese is a staple at all of my gatherings! Everyone can't get enough of this comforting side dish!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you! It's my go-to party side dish!
Tara says
Oh yum! This baked Mac and cheese looks so good, especially with the addition of the mascarpone. Definitely the perfect comfort food.
Ned says
This has comfort food written all over it, and it did not disappoint! Was so yummy and my family loved it too. Thank you for the awesome recipe!
Chenée Lewis says
Thank you!! It's definitely comfort food!
Shashi at Savory Spin says
Thanks to you, I have one of my sides for the holidays - this looks heavenly!
Bethany says
This was so delicious! It was my first time making a baked Mac and cheese and my family and I loved it! This will be a yearly holiday staple for us.