(Soul Food) Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese | Sweet Tea & Thyme

Introduction

When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing side dishes, few can rival classic (Soul Food) Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This indulgent casserole is beloved for its creamy interior, golden crust, and layers of rich, savory flavor—making it the star of Sunday dinners and holiday spreads alike. Paired with a crisp, refreshing glass of Sweet Tea, it’s the ultimate Southern comfort food experience, balancing hearty, cheesy goodness with the perfect sip.

Why Soul Food Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Stands Out

Unlike stovetop versions, this soul food tradition bakes elbow macaroni to tender perfection in a decadent, custard-like cheese sauce. The blend of sharp cheeses, a touch of seasoning, and a crunchy baked cheese topping means every bite delivers on both texture and taste. Its depth of flavor comes from a careful selection of cheeses and seasoned milk mixture—creating a dish that’s both nostalgic and deeply satisfying.

Secrets to a Creamy, Cheesy Southern Baked Mac

The creaminess of this dish comes from using a blend of evaporated milk and whole milk, alongside eggs to create a silky sauce that sets up beautifully in the oven. Layering the cheese throughout the pasta ensures gooey pulls in every forkful, while sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and creamy Colby Jack provide a harmonious melt and bold flavor. A sprinkle of paprika, onion powder, or a dash of hot sauce adds that signature Southern flair.

Assembly and Baking Tips for the Perfect Crust

To achieve that sought-after crispy cheese top, scatter a generous layer of shredded cheese over the surface before baking. Bake uncovered until the top is bubbling and golden brown—you want a little crunch on top and creaminess beneath. If you love an extra pop of flavor, dot the top with butter before baking or finish with a pinch of smoked paprika for color.

Perfect Pairing: Sweet Tea & Meal Suggestions

Pairing baked macaroni and cheese with homemade Sweet Tea brings balance to this comforting meal. The gentle sweetness and coolness of the tea cuts through the richness of the casserole, refreshing the palate between decadent bites. Serve alongside classics like collard greens, fried chicken, or barbecue for a true soul food spread.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 8 hearty servings, each typically ranging from 350-450 calories depending on cheese and milk selections. While Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a rich treat, it’s perfect for sharing on special occasions or as the highlight of a Sunday supper.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to generate an organized, grocery-friendly shopping list. All ingredients are sorted by store section for a faster, stress-free trip—especially handy when planning for big gatherings.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, melted butter, salt, black pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and hot sauce (if using).
4. Add the drained macaroni to the mixture and stir well. Fold in half of the cheddar, all the Colby Jack, and the mozzarella cheese. Mix to distribute evenly.
5. Pour half the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheddar cheese. Add the rest of the macaroni mixture, then top with the final layer of cheddar cheese. Sprinkle with extra paprika and bread crumbs if desired.
6. Bake uncovered for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden, crisp, and everything is bubbly.
7. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving so it sets. Pour yourself a chilled glass of Sweet Tea and enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation—whether as a main dish or a decadent side. Save and schedule this recipe using CookifyAI to effortlessly manage your meal planning, ensure no ingredient is forgotten, and get perfectly organized shopping lists for all your needs.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically tallies ingredient amounts across all your planned recipes
• Creates one streamlined, sectioned shopping list—no backtracking in the store
• Helps prevent overbuying or missing key ingredients, saving time and money
• Keeps your week’s meals balanced and stress-free

Pro tip: When you plan meals like baked mac and cheese with sweet tea or other classic sides, schedule your recipes side-by-side in CookifyAI to see exactly what you need—making it easy to coordinate your next family feast.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Enjoy bringing this soul food classic to your table—rich with Southern flavor and made even easier with smart meal planning!