Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese

This Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and slightly spiced comfort food classic that’s perfect for both everyday dinners and special occasions. With a crisp top layer and ultra-creamy center, this version is deeply satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic comfort food — Rich, creamy, and nostalgic

• Simple and satisfying — Comes together in under an hour

• Southern twist — Cajun seasoning and eggs create depth and cohesion

• Crowd-pleasing — Ideal for holidays, parties, or casual dinners

• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly — Great for prepping in advance

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound short-cut pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi)

• 2¼ cups whole milk

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• ¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt

• 2–3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (optional for a spicy kick)

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

• Fresh basil or parsley, for serving

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, beaten eggs, sour cream, and Cajun seasoning (or use ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper if omitting the Cajun seasoning).

4. Stir the drained pasta into the milk mixture along with the butter, cheddar cheese, and 2 cups of the Colby Jack cheese.

5. Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and cover with foil.

6. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle with the remaining Colby Jack cheese, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.

7. Turn on the broiler and broil for 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and just slightly crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.

8. Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs and extra black pepper.

Servings and timing

• Yields: 8 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Three-cheese version: Mix in mozzarella, fontina, or Gruyère for extra creaminess.

• Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

• Breadcrumb topping: Toast panko breadcrumbs in butter and sprinkle on top before baking for a crunchy texture.

• Meaty addition: Stir in crispy bacon, ham, or ground sausage for a heartier dish.

• Veggie twist: Mix in cooked broccoli, spinach, or caramelized onions.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.

• Freezing: Assemble and freeze unbaked, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 400°F for 60 minutes, removing foil for the last 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the mac and cheese through Step 3 and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed the next day.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for different flavors and textures.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use room temperature ingredients and avoid mixing hot pasta with cold dairy — let the pasta cool slightly first.

Is Cajun seasoning necessary?

No, it’s optional. You can season with just salt and pepper if preferred.

Can I add a breadcrumb topping?

Yes! Toast panko in butter and sprinkle over the top before baking for extra crunch.

Does it freeze well?

Yes, freeze before baking. Bake from frozen at 400°F for about 60 minutes, covered, removing foil for the final 10 minutes.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short-cut pastas like elbows, shells, or cavatappi work best for holding the creamy cheese sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all your other ingredients (especially seasoning blends) are gluten-free.

Can I use evaporated milk instead of whole milk?

Yes, but you may need to dilute it slightly with water as it’s more concentrated.

How do I make it creamier?

Add a bit more sour cream or swap in cream cheese, or stir in a little extra milk before baking.

Conclusion

This Easy Southern Style Baked Mac and Cheese delivers all the rich, creamy satisfaction you want from a classic dish—with a flavorful southern twist. Whether you’re serving it up for a holiday, potluck, or weeknight dinner, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With its crisp topping and luscious interior, this is mac and cheese done right.