This gooey baked Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese is rich and decadent with a creamy no cook sauce. Serve it on buys days or when entertaining for a memorable side dish.
Baked Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
When it comes to macaroni and cheese, there more far more variations than there are Southern states. I would describe this macaroni and cheese as my quick and easy, homestyle macaroni and cheese. This version is specifically designed for those days, you don't have the time to make the cheese sauce from scratch. It's not fussy but the end result is irresistible. Unlike my 5 Cheese Holiday Macaroni and Cheese, where the cheese sauce is turned from a bechamel sauce into a gloriously rich five cheese sensation, the sauce for this dish is whipped up using my stand blender. Pour the no-cook cheese sauce over layers of cooked classic elbow macaroni and top it all off with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese.
How To Make Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that are a "sure thing" when entertaining. It never ceases to amaze me how it continues to delight kids of every generation and kids of all ages gravitate to it no matter the occasion or what other dishes are being offered. A few things to consider when making:
- If you're planning a special event assemble this dish the night before then allow it to warm for 15 minutes or so on the counter before baking for a time saver.
- Top it off with more cheese and a few dots of butter and bake it until it's golden and bubbly.
- While I typically don't add a crumb topping to this particular variation of macaroni and cheese, you could, if you wanted to. To do so, toss ½-1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking. You may also like to use fresh breadcrumbs or even crushed cracker crumbs, if that's what you have on hand.
- You could adapt the flavor of cheese, but I highly recommend making this recipe as directed.
- You won't believe a cheese sauce this simple can be so insanely delicious.
- You may also like to checkout my Parade article about 15 Sensational Ways To Make Mac and Cheese.
Other Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes to Add to the Menu
Most macaroni and cheese recipes can be served as an entree or a side dish depending on the occasion. You can also use a variety of cheese or a blend of cheese's that you particularly enjoy to amp up the flavor. A few examples of other macaroni and cheese recipes to try;
- Twisted Macaroni and Cheese
- Creamy Macaroni and Cheese Pie
- Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
- Crab Macaroni and Cheese will turn any occasion onto something special
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Southern Style Macaroni And Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cup dry elbow macaroni
- 4 cup shredded Triple Cheddar Cheese blend divided [*see cook's note]
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 10 ¾ oz can cheddar cheese soup
- ⅔ cup soft easy melting cheese [i.e. Velveeta or Cheez Whiz]
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 13 x 9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium size pot, boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente Drain well.
- In a blender, blend together the milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, cheez whiz, eggs, melted butter, white pepper, ground mustard, and salt. You can also do this by hand with a whisk.
- Layer one half of the cooked macaroni in the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with 2 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Spread the last of the cooked elbow macaroni over the cheese layer.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the macaroni. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Dot the top with butter just before baking.
- Bake for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Totsy
Thank you Melissa...I've made this sooooo many times...I'll never make a homemade size again...I also doubled this recipe with my own variations it came out perfect...my family and friends love it...again...thank you thank you thank you!!!
Melissa
Wonderful, glad you love this one. Thanks for visiting!
Cait
I doubled the recipe today and I just remember that I probably need to cook it longer. Any idea long it will take take to cook for a doubled recipe?
Melissa
You may need to add time in 10 minute increments, then check for doneness.
Kellie
Hi Melissa!
Do you think this recipe could be made in the crockpot? I've made your "slow cooker mac n cheese" several times, and love it, but was thinking of trying it using these ingredients.
Melissa
Hi Kellie, no problem. That said, you will need to UNDER cook the macaroni much like the process for the slow cooker mac and cheese. But the sauce will work, sure.
Linda
Can i make it in a aluminum pan ??
Melissa
Sure.
Katrina Perkins
I tried this recipe today and it was fantastic! Everyone loved it!!!!!
Melissa
I'm delighted you liked it, thank you for taking the time to let me know.
Katrina
I made this today and it was fantastic! I love this recipe.
Susan
As I come from England . And can not get canned cheese soup or cheese whiz !! I used a cheese sauce mix . Taste just as nice . We all love Mac.cheese . Made this was was yum ....
Melissa
Hi Susan, thanks so much for letting me know that sounds like a terrific alternative.
Cait Mossbrook
Is this something that you can make ahead and then bake the next day?
Melissa
I've made this in advance on the same day that I plan to make it but, not the day before. I'm guessing {And, in light of that it's only a guess} that it would likely be OK if you're a seasoned cook and can adjust the baking time to accommodate. Be careful not to overcook the macaroni when preparing it to assemble, too.
Cait Mossbrook
Alright! Well I just assembled it and put it into the oven. My family is obsessed with this recipe so I thought I would make it for my company potluck lunch tomorrow. Since I am baking it now, once it has cooled I will put it in the refrigerator for tomorrow. Any suggestions on how to reheat it tomorrow? I'm not sure if you have had to ever do that lol.. we never have leftovers in my house!!!!
Melissa
Wow, you're quick! I almost never have to reheat this as it's usually gone on the first round. I'm delighted your family is enjoying this easy dish.
Lisa
we don't have cheese soup in NZ what could I use instead of this as I would love to make this it looks so yummy
Melissa
Hi Lisa, this particular recipe would require that ingredient. I'm not sure if you have cheez whiz or similar you may be able to use that instead. Otherwise, I have other macaroni and cheese recipes in the archives, please feel free to browse for another version. Thanks for visiting!
Trina
This recipe is the reason I am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year..lol. It sounds so delicious and like something my family would enjoy. We are serious about our macaroni & cheese and I have a pretty good recipe I've used for years, but I wanted to try something different. After reading many, many recipes for macaroni and cheese. I kept coming back to this one. (See what I mean-serious) Looking forward to trying it and about to browse your recipes for my ideas!
Melissa
Hi Trina, like you I have many recipes for macaroni and cheese but this one is so simple and delicious I probably make it more than any. Sure hope you all love it too. Happy Thanksgiving!
LINDA SIMPSON
I love Mac and cheese, and o love your recipes, but there's too much sodium in this recipe for me, is there any other way to make this without all that salt. Any suggestions please let me know.
Melissa
Hi Linda, as you know salt much like spice, is subjective. Sure, you can make a "from scratch" sauce using a bechamel and pass on the Velveeta and cheddar cheese soup if you like. Feel free to browse I have several versions of macaroni and cheese recipes in my archives.
Trina
Merry Christmas! I’m back. Making this for Christmas dinner today! Sooo delicious.
Melissa
So happy to hear it, thanks for stopping by to let me know!
Anonymous
This was great!!!!! Doubled the recipe for thanksgiving and it was GONE!! Thanks for posting
Melissa
Hi Nicki-Dee, if you've never made mac & cheese before this is a great place to start. It's super simple to put together, and filled with cheesy goodness! I like buttered crumbs on top, that's a great addition to this dish. Thanks so much for your visit, Melissa
Jennifer
I add bacon pieces to the crumbs on the top...oh my goodness! Thanks for this quicky version of Mac n Cheese!
Nicki-Dee
Mmmmm! I have never made mac and cheese before I am definitely going to try this 🙂 I will probably add some bread crumbs on top also and I also like to buy a can of diced tomatoes so I can add some to my Mac and cheese instead of ketchup its sooooo good 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this 🙂
Alishia Tepper
I have to say you have an interesting recipe here. I am from South Carolina and so I know all about southern food and how to make them and even though this isn't exactly how I would make my oven baked Mac & Cheese it still looks yummy!
Pete (female)
Alishia share your recipe also please
Dawn
Sounds delicious!!! I will make it tonight!!!
My family adds ketchup on top!! Lol. Never heard of that until I met my Husband.
Melissa
Hi Dawn! Ketchup on top, I must say, I've never heard of that...but,we do love ketchup at our house. 🙂 I hope you all enjoy my "quick Mac & Cheese." Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit. ~ Melissa
Melissa
Hi Alisha, As I stated in the narrative, the variations on Mac & Cheese are endless. I myself have 4 or 5 versions right here on my blog. This version was designed to be quick and easy on those days you don't have the time to make a bechamel cheese sauce from scratch. [which is the type I most often make ☺] Thanks so much for stopping by, and come back to visit anytime! 🙂 Blessings, Melissa
Alonzia
Where do the two large eggs go in?
Alonzia
Never mind miss lady. I’m sorry I read to fast. Thank you for the recipe. I’ve been looking for this for awhile. You’re amazing!!
Melissa
No problem at all, thanks for visiting!