Side Dishes
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy and baked until bubbling, baked macaroni and cheese holds a familiar place on many Black American holiday and Sunday dinner tables. Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack melt into a rich base that sets just enough to scoop cleanly.
Prep time
15 min
Cook time
40 min
Total time
55 min
Servings
8 · One 2-quart dish
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup
- 3 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1½ cups whole milk, plus more if needed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Paprika for topping
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly butter a 2-quart baking dish.
- 2
Cook macaroni according to package directions until just shy of al dente. Drain well.
- 3
Return macaroni to the warm pot.
- 4
Stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, mustard, cheddar cheese soup, melted butter, salt and pepper.
- 5
Whisk egg with 1½ cups milk.
- 6
Stir milk mixture into macaroni until evenly combined.
- 7
Transfer to prepared baking dish. Mixture should look creamy and loose; add a small splash of milk if necessary.
- 8
Sprinkle lightly with paprika.
- 9
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes until bubbling around the edges and set in the center.
- 10
Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Heritage Kitchen Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta before baking so it stays tender.
- Grate cheese from a block when you can — it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
Variations
- Use all sharp cheddar for a stronger cheddar flavor.
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate promptly in a covered container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently.
Round out the meal
Helpful kitchen tool
Mac & Cheese Calculator
Get the right amount of pasta, cheese, and dairy for a baked mac that feeds your whole table.
Open calculatorRelated guide
How Much Food Do I Need for 20 People?
A practical starting point for portions, sides and meat when you are cooking for twenty.
Read the guideFrequently asked questions
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