Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole Recipe

If you’re searching for classic comfort food that’s guaranteed to win hearts at any gathering, you can’t go wrong with Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole. This dish delivers everything you crave in a baked pasta: a creamy, custardy interior bursting with sharp cheese flavor, a golden, bubbly crown of cheese on top, and that irresistible Southern flair that makes every forkful pure joy. Whether you’re making it for a holiday table, a weeknight treat, or a special potluck, this casserole is the kind of recipe friends and family will always request again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole plays an important role, building layers of richness, silkiness, and full-on cheesy delight. The simple lineup proves that you don’t need a mile-long grocery list to create unforgettable flavor and that each component truly matters for the ultimate casserole experience.

• Elbow macaroni (2 cups): The classic shape for soaking up creamy sauce and capturing cheesy goodness in every bite.
• Whole milk (2 cups): Brings a luscious texture and richness to the cheese sauce.
• Evaporated milk (1 cup): Adds extra creaminess and that old-fashioned, custardy finish Southern casseroles are known for.
• Eggs (2 large): These bind everything together, helping the casserole set beautifully and giving that signature Southern texture.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 1/2 cups, divided): Sharp cheddar offers bold flavor, meltability, and the iconic golden top.
• Colby Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds an extra layer of melty, mild flavor to round out the cheese blend.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): The secret ingredient that creates a tangy, creamy richness in every bite.
• Butter, melted (4 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps marry the sauce together.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle boost that heightens the savory notes.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a hint of warmth.
• Paprika (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Brings all the flavors into perfect harmony—don’t skimp!

How to Make Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente—this usually takes about a minute or two less than the package directs. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so keeping it slightly firm ensures each bite stays cheesy and creamy, not mushy. Once cooked, drain and set aside while you prep the luscious cheese sauce.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Base

In a big mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, and eggs until everything is smooth and well combined. This blend is the backbone of the creamy custard that defines authentic Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole. The eggs will help bind the casserole, making every piece sliceable and crave-worthy.

Step 3: Stir in Flavor and Cheese

Add in the sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk again until the mixture is silky and everything is deeply combined. Next, fold in the cooked macaroni, 2 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese, and all the Colby Jack cheese. Mix gently but thoroughly so every noodle is gloriously coated and there’s cheese in every corner.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour your cheesy macaroni mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Give the top a final showering of the reserved 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese. This finishing layer forms that signature golden crust everyone fights over once it’s baked!

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Slide your casserole into a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden and the center is set. If you love a hearty crunch, pop the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end for extra bubbly, crispy cheese on top—just don’t walk away! Let the Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This lets it settle into creamy perfection and makes serving much easier.

How to Serve Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

Garnishes

Bring even more Southern charm to your table by finishing with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a dusting of paprika, or a touch of chopped fresh parsley for just the right pop of color and flavor. A few crisp bacon crumbles or sliced green onions also make fantastic toppings for your Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole on special occasions!

Side Dishes

This casserole really shines next to classic Southern favorites. Try pairing it with collard greens, barbecue chicken, crispy fried okra, or roasted green beans. At family gatherings and holidays, it’s delicious alongside glazed ham or turkey, creating a holiday feast no one can resist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, scoop your Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole into ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for charming individual servings. You can even use a cookie cutter to cut the cooled casserole into fun shapes for kids (or the young at heart!). For potlucks, serve the casserole family-style straight from the dish—everyone will be back for seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your leftover casserole to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Properly stored in the refrigerator, Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole stays wonderfully creamy and flavorful for up to 4 days. Just be sure to cover well, so it doesn’t absorb other fridge odors.

Freezing

This casserole also freezes beautifully. For best results, cut cooled portions into squares, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and layer in airtight freezer-safe containers. Frozen, your casserole will stay fresh for up to 2 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, arrange slices in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through. For the ultimate crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes. Microwave reheating works well for smaller portions, but oven reheating is the way to go if you want to recapture that freshly-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I make Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This makes holiday prep so much easier—just expect to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s starting out cold.

What cheeses work best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar is essential for bold taste, and Colby Jack adds creamy meltability, but feel free to blend in mozzarella, smoked gouda, or even a little pepper jack for a personal twist. Just keep at least half the cheese sharp cheddar for that classic Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole flavor.

How do I keep my casserole from drying out?

Make sure you measure your liquids and bake just until the casserole is set—not overbaked. Covering with foil partway through, or reheating gently, will also help keep your casserole moist and luscious.

Can I add protein, like chicken or ham?

Of course! Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole is a delicious canvas. Stir in cooked, diced ham, rotisserie chicken, or even some cooked bacon before baking for a heartier main dish version the whole family will love.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as written. Just make sure your cheeses are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet if you have strict dietary preferences, and you have a delicious vegetarian comfort food to serve to any crowd!

Final Thoughts

Nothing brings people together quite like a bubbling dish of Southern Macaroni and Cheese Casserole fresh from the oven. From its irresistibly creamy layers to that gorgeous golden top, this recipe invites smiles with every bite. Give it a try—you might just find it becomes your new signature casserole for holidays and every day alike!

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