Soul-Warming Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort food reaches new heights with this good ole fashion mac and cheese recipe that promises pure, nostalgic delight.

Creamy, golden, and irresistibly cheesy, this classic dish brings back memories of childhood dinners and warm kitchen moments.

Every bite delivers a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth with an incredible depth of flavor.

Generations have cherished this timeless recipe, passing it down through cookbooks and family gatherings.

Sharp cheddar and smooth milk create a decadent sauce that coats each pasta shell perfectly.

The blend of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary comfort experience.

Let’s find out this soul-warming mac and cheese and savor every delicious, cheesy spoonful.

Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Serving Ideas

• Classic Comfort Plate Pairings: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken strips or crispy bacon bits on top for extra protein and a delightful crunch that elevates the dish's texture.
• Southern Style Sidekick: Complement with buttery cornbread or roasted green beans to create a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and subtle herbal freshness that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

How to Store Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container, keeping it refrigerated for 3-4 days. The creamy texture stays best when sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion individual servings in freezer-safe containers, which can maintain quality for up to 2 months. Wrap each container with plastic wrap before adding the lid for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Reheating Revival Technique: Warm refrigerated mac and cheese in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore its original creamy consistency. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent dry spots from developing.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This method allows for convenient meal planning and saves time during busy weekdays.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes into Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings bold flavor while mozzarella creates irresistible stretch and creamy texture; choose high-quality block cheese and grate fresh for maximum melting potential.

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that perfectly catches and holds onto cheesy sauce; select traditional dry pasta for best structural integrity during baking.

• Evaporated Milk, Milk, Eggs: Evaporated milk adds rich depth, regular milk softens consistency, eggs provide silky structure and help bind ingredients together; use whole milk for maximum creaminess and farm-fresh eggs for best results.

• Butter, Garlic Salt, Paprika: Salted butter enriches overall flavor, garlic salt adds subtle savory kick, paprika contributes warm color and gentle smoky undertone; opt for unsalted butter if preferring more precise salt control.

Tool Up for Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Colander: Perfect for draining cooked macaroni quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing bowls: Need three separate bowls for milk mixture, cheese blend, and pasta.
• Whisk: Great for blending egg and milk mixture smoothly.
• 9×13 inch baking dish: Ideal size for creating delicious layered mac and cheese.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for precise ingredient quantities.
• Measuring spoons: Necessary for adding exact amounts of garlic salt and paprika.
• Cheese grater: Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for mixing pasta and stirring ingredients.

How to Prepare Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a dash of salt. Cook macaroni until soft and tender. Drain and return to pot, stirring in melted butter until noodles shimmer with richness.

• Dairy Dream Blend

Whisk together milk, eggs, and a gentle sprinkle of garlic seasoning in a mixing bowl. Create a silky liquid base that will transform your dish into pure creaminess.

• Cheese Collection

Gather your favorite cheese varieties – sharp cheddar and smooth mozzarella. Shred them into a beautiful golden mountain of dairy goodness.

• Baking Setup

Warm your oven to a cozy 375°F. Lightly grease a large baking dish, creating a welcoming surface for your cheesy creation.

• Layering Magic

Alternate layers of buttery pasta and cheese, building delicious tiers that promise incredible flavor in every single bite. Ensure the top layer looks generously cheesy.

• Liquid Love

Gently pour the milk mixture across the entire dish. Dust with a light sprinkle of paprika, adding a warm color and subtle tangy touch.

• Golden Transformation

Bake until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and bubbles with excitement. The aroma will fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Tips to Make Good Ole Fashion Mac and Cheese Better

• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to create unique flavor profiles that'll make your mac and cheese extraordinary.
• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers on top before baking for an irresistible crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy base.
• Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this classic side dish into a hearty main course that'll satisfy hungry appetites.
• Sneak in some nutrition by mixing in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions for added depth and nutritional value without compromising the rich, cheesy goodness.
• Add a dash of cayenne pepper, mustard powder, or hot sauce to give your mac and cheese a subtle kick that'll wake up taste buds and bring extra excitement to the dinner table.

Creamy Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Mac and cheese from grandma’s Southern kitchen delivers pure comfort with creamy cheddar and crispy breadcrumb topping. Generations of families cherish this classic recipe that connects you to nostalgic home-cooked memories.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (960 mL) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (480 mL) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 bowls (340 g) elbow macaroni, dry
• 2 cans (12 oz or 370 mL each) evaporated milk
• 4 tbsps (60 g) butter with salt
• 2 large eggs
• 0.75 cup (180 mL) milk
• 1 tsp paprika
• 0.25 tsp garlic salt

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain thoroughly and return to pot, then coat with melted butter until each pasta strand glistens evenly.
2. Liquid Mixture: Whisk evaporated milk, whole milk, eggs, and garlic salt in a mixing bowl until silky and homogeneous.
3. Cheese Preparation: Combine shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in a separate bowl, creating a rich, melty blend.
4. Dish Assembly: Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and layer pasta and cheese in thirds, ensuring the top layer is generously covered with cheese.
5. Liquid Infusion: Gently pour milk-egg mixture across the layers, allowing it to permeate between pasta and cheese. Dust surface with paprika for a vibrant finish.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a golden-brown crust with bubbling, tempting edges.
7. Resting Phase: Remove from oven and let mac and cheese settle for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to stabilize and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture and maintain a delightful bite.
• Cheese Harmony: Use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for rich, creamy melting that creates irresistible strings and depth of flavor.
• Milk Magic: Evaporated milk adds luxurious richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta noodle.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the mac and cheese to rest after baking, which helps the sauce set and intensifies the overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg