Southern-Style Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

 Irresistible Southern-Style Baked Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

Few dishes stir up nostalgic joy quite like a bubbling, cheesy tray of baked mac and cheese. This recipe isn’t just your average side dish—it’s the centerpiece of any comfort food spread. Rich, creamy, and crowned with a golden layer of melted cheddar, this Southern-style mac and cheese brings together bold flavor, velvety texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether you're serving it for Sunday dinner, the holidays, or a weeknight indulgence, this mac and cheese delivers the kind of home-cooked satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ultra-creamy cheese sauce made from scratch

A rich blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar for unmatched flavor and meltability

Minimal prep with maximum payoff—ready to bake in under 30 minutes

Customizable with add-ins or toppings

Perfectly balanced: not too dry, not overly saucy—just right!

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🧀 Ingredients (and Why They Matter)

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the ultimate mac and cheese. Here’s what you need and why you need it:

1 lb. dry elbow macaroni

> The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese. Its tubular shape captures the creamy sauce in every bite.

½ cup salted butter

> Forms the base of a rich roux and adds depth to the sauce. Salted butter enhances flavor without needing to add too much extra salt.

½ cup all-purpose flour

> Combines with butter to create the roux—a thickening agent that ensures your cheese sauce is luxuriously smooth and coats every noodle.

2 cups milk (at room temperature)

> Acts as the foundation of the cheese sauce. Using 2% milk gives a balanced richness without being overly heavy.

2 cups half-and-half (at room temperature)

> Elevates the creaminess of the sauce. The mix of milk and cream is what makes this dish velvety without being greasy.

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

> Adds a subtle depth and umami boost. This is the secret ingredient that makes people wonder what makes your mac and cheese so special.

12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

> Love it or hate it, Velveeta melts like a dream. It gives the sauce its signature creamy texture that doesn’t clump or break.

3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided

> Brings sharp, tangy flavor and a classic cheesy finish. Half goes into the sauce, half gets sprinkled on top for that perfect melty crust.

1 teaspoon salt

> Essential for seasoning the pasta and sauce—don’t skip it.

½ teaspoon dry mustard

> A touch of dry mustard powder enhances the cheese flavor and cuts through the richness.

¼ teaspoon black pepper + pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)

> These spices subtly round out the flavor profile and balance the creaminess.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect baked mac and cheese every time:

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1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook 1 lb. elbow macaroni until just al dente (don’t overcook—they’ll bake further in the oven).

Drain and set aside.

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2. Make the Roux

In a large Dutch oven (6–7 quarts), melt ½ cup salted butter over medium heat.

Whisk in ½ cup flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. This step removes the raw flour taste.

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3. Build the Sauce

Gradually whisk in 2 cups milk and 2 cups half-and-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Continue whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens—about 4–5 minutes.

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4. Add Flavor and Cheese

Remove the pot from heat.

Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, then add:

All Velveeta cubes

1½ cups sharp cheddar

Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using).

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5. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Stir well to coat every noodle with cheesy goodness.

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6. Transfer and Top

Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

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7. Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes, or until cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

For a golden, crispy top, broil for 2–5 minutes—watch closely!

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🧑‍🍳 Pro Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

Room temperature dairy prevents curdling and ensures a smoother sauce.

Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Avoid overbaking. Just bake until heated through and the cheese is melted.

Add-ins? Bacon, sautéed onions, jalapeños, or hot sauce can all elevate the dish.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Pair your baked mac and cheese with:

Southern-style fried chicken or pork chops

Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans

A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette

Cornbread for the full comfort food experience

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🏁 Final Thoughts: Why This Baked Mac and Cheese Stands Out

This isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe—it’s a family-approved, crowd-pleasing, ultra-creamy masterpiece. From the silky cheese sauce to the golden topping, every bite is warm, comforting, and indulgently cheesy.

No fancy ingredients. No complicated techniques. Just simple, real-food magic.

Whether you’re feeding a holiday crowd or craving a weeknight win, this Southern baked mac and cheese delivers unforgettable flavor with minimal fuss.

> Save this recipe—you’ll come back to it again and again. Because when it c

omes to mac and cheese, this is the gold standard.

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📌 Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and share it with friends who love comfort food!

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