This Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate Southern comfort dish, packed with layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and a crispy, golden topping. Made with a blend of rich cheeses, a creamy egg-based sauce, and baked to perfection, this dish is a must-have for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special occasion.
If you’re looking for a flavorful, traditional Southern mac and cheese, this soul food-style recipe is a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients for Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
the Cheese Blend:
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
the Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
- Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon butter, and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dry mustard until smooth.
- Stir in 2 cups cheddar, Colby Jack, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
3. Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well coated.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Make the Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese for extra crunch.
5. Bake & Serve
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for the Best Soul Food Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it slightly firm.
Layer the cheese – Mixing different cheeses adds depth and richness to the flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the egg mixture – The eggs help create the creamy, custard-like texture.
Using low-fat milk – Whole milk and heavy cream make this dish rich and indulgent.
Overbaking – Baking too long can make the mac and cheese dry.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve with collard greens, cornbread, or fried chicken for a full Southern meal.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a dash of smoked paprika for extra color.
- Pair with barbecue ribs or brisket for a holiday feast.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
Freezing:
- Freeze unbaked mac and cheese for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Use different cheeses – Try pepper jack, Havarti, or white cheddar.
- Add protein – Stir in cooked bacon, lobster, or pulled pork for extra indulgence.
What to Serve with Soul Food Mac and Cheese
- Southern fried chicken or BBQ ribs
- Collard greens or candied yams
- Cornbread or biscuits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why use eggs in mac and cheese?
The eggs help create a rich, custard-like texture that’s unique to Southern-style baked mac and cheese.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Use heavy cream, eggs, and high-quality cheese for a smooth, creamy consistency.
Conclusion
This Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with Southern flavor, making it the ultimate comfort dish. Whether for holidays, Sunday dinners, or potlucks, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more comforting Southern recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings).
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 8
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Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese – Rich, Creamy & Loaded with Flavor!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Description
This Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! A classic Southern-style mac and cheese perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard (optional, enhances cheese flavor)
For the Cheese Blend:
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
- Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon butter, and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and dry mustard until smooth.
- Stir in 2 cups cheddar, Colby Jack, smoked Gouda, and Parmesan cheese, mixing until combined.
3. Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well coated.
- Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Make the Crunchy Topping (Optional)
- In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese for extra crunch.
5. Bake & Serve
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta – It will continue to cook in the oven, so keep it slightly firm.
✔ Layer the cheese – Mixing different cheeses adds depth and richness to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 480
