Description

This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Soul Food Style is a rich and creamy comfort food classic. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, this recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a flavorful milk and egg mixture, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for holidays, Sunday dinners, or potlucks, it delivers a crispy cheesy top and a velvety smooth interior that embodies traditional soul food flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Butter

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Milk and Egg Mixture

3 cups whole milk
1 cup evaporated milk
2 large eggs, beaten
2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for creaminess)

Seasonings

2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cheeses

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside so it’s ready when you finish preparing the macaroni and cheese.
Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni well and return it to the pot.
Add Butter: Stir the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter into the hot macaroni until melted and evenly distributed, creating a slight richness in the pasta before adding the cheese sauce.
Prepare Milk Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using, add the sour cream to enhance creaminess. Mix well until fully combined.
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Mixture: Pour the milk and egg mixture into the macaroni and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Add 2 cups of sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix until the cheeses are evenly distributed throughout the macaroni.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted throughout.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the dish to set and makes it easier to portion.

Notes

For an extra crispy top, broil the macaroni and cheese for the last 2–3 minutes of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
You can customize the cheese blend according to your preference, but sharp cheddar is essential for the authentic Southern flavor.
This dish is perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, offering a nostalgic comfort food experience.
If you want a richer and creamier texture, do not skip the optional sour cream.
Use freshly grated cheeses for the best melting and flavor results.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 480
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 115mg