Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Nothing defines comfort food quite like Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese. Packed with layers of gooey, cheesy goodness and topped with a golden crust, this classic southern staple shines at Sunday suppers and holiday gatherings alike.

With its rich flavors and nostalgic homestyle texture, this baked mac and cheese brings everyone to the table. Perfect for making in advance and transporting to potlucks or keeping warm for family celebrations, it’s a recipe that always stands out for its unbeatable creaminess and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Bringing Southern Flavor to Your Table

Unlike stovetop versions, baked mac and cheese delivers a secret weapon: decadent depth from tangy sharp cheddar and a hint of seasoning baked into every nook. The blend of cheeses forms a savory, creamy blanket over perfectly cooked pasta, while oven baking creates that beloved golden crust on top. This recipe invites you to customize the flavor, experimenting with cheese blends or spicing it up—but always remains true to its comforting roots.

Choosing the Right Cheeses and Pasta

Select a combination of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack to balance flavor and meltability. Grating cheese fresh is essential to ensure a smooth, silky sauce, which is much easier with a sturdy Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper. For the pasta, elbow macaroni is classic, but rotini or cavatappi work as alternatives for holding in all that luscious cheese sauce.

Cook pasta until just al dente to avoid mushy results after baking. Toss with a touch of oil to keep noodles separated as you prepare the cheese mixture.

Crafting a Creamy Cheese Sauce

The heart of this dish is the cheese sauce. Using a reliable saucepan, start by melting butter, whisking in flour, then slowly adding milk for a smooth béchamel base. Add cheeses one handful at a time, stirring constantly until melted into a thick, velvety sauce. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika or dry mustard for old-school flavor.

For a nonstick, mess-free pouring and easy cleanup, opt for the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch when preparing your cheese sauce.

Assembling and Baking for Perfect Results

Once the pasta and sauce unite, layer in a generously sized casserole dish. Topping with extra shredded cheese creates that coveted crust. To prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful golden finish, line your baking pan with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll. This method also makes cleanup a breeze.

Bake uncovered until the top is bubbly and just browned—don’t overbake to ensure the interior stays creamy.

Serving Tips and Pairings

Old Fashioned Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese stands as a stunning centerpiece or a hearty side. Serve straight from the oven or keep warm for gatherings with a Bamboo Cutting Board for Kitchen underneath the hot dish to protect your table. Pair with fried chicken, collard greens, or a crisp fresh salad for a complete southern meal.

Store leftovers in airtight Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—it reheats beautifully!

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields around 8 hearty servings. Each serving contains approximately 450–500 calories, depending on cheese varieties and additional toppings. Enjoy as an indulgent main or a standout side—true to soul food spirit, it’s meant to be savored with the people you love.

Classic Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese (Recap)

Soulful, ooey-gooey, and packed with old-fashioned flavor, this baked mac and cheese is the ultimate in southern comfort. It’s sure to become a treasured recipe for festive occasions or any night you crave real homemade satisfaction.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and toss with a dash of oil to prevent sticking.
3. In a large SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1–2 minutes until bubbly but not browned.
4. Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half. Cook, whisking continuously, until simmering and slightly thickened, 5–7 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add 3 cups cheddar, all Colby, and Monterey Jack cheeses, a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and mustard powder if using.
6. Add drained pasta to cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat noodle completely.
7. Pour half the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half the remaining cheddar. Add the rest of the mac and cheese, then top with the remaining cheddar.
8. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and the top is golden brown. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour