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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

6/3/18

Southern style macaroni and cheese casserole, smothered in a homemade creamy cheese sauce, and layered with tons of cheese!

Amazing and creamy southern style macaroni and cheese

By now you know I am the queen of macaroni and cheese recipes. I’ve shared so many! I have a southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe, a slow cooker mac and cheese, stovetop macaroni and cheese, and even a soul food macaroni and cheese. I guess it’s safe to say that macaroni and cheese is definitely one of my favorite dishes. There’s just something about creamy cheesy macaroni and cheese that I can’t resist..

I always get asked which macaroni and cheese recipe I like best, but honestly – I love ALL my macaroni and cheese recipes! If you ask me they are all the bomb, like seriously.  I know a lot of you LOVE my southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe, while others swear by my slow cooker macaroni, and cheese. And the soul food macaroni and cheese has been a holiday favorite since I dropped it. HOWEVER, I’m about to blow your minds with this right here southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole recipe!

Tasty and delicious baked macaroni and cheese casserole.

This macaroni and cheese casserole is the creamiest, cheesiest, best ever macaroni and cheese recipe. (Drops the mic.. and walks away…) I’m not playing y’all!

This melty and delicious macaroni and cheese casserole is an easy family favorite.

And guess what?! I only use two different cheese in this recipe! Two EASY TO FIND cheeses!! No more searching for hard to find cheeses, I got you covered with this one.

I can go on, and on… but just watch the video below, and see how creamy and cheesy this macaroni and cheese is for yourself!

Don’t forget to share this mac and cheese casserole recipe on Facebook & Pinterest!

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole recipe from I Heart Recipes

Check out my video tutorial on how to make this deliciously creamy southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole! Make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel and never miss a recipe upload.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

This creamy and delicious baked mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food side dish for any meal.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine comfort food
Keyword Baked Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Author I Heart Recipes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroi
  • 6 tbsp salted butter
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 3 1/2 cups half & half
  • 2 tsp seasoning salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 16 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Italian panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  • to get started with this amazing southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole, you will have to bring some water to a boil, over high heat.
  • Once the water is boiling, add in the 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta, and cook until it's nice and firm, but not overly cooked.
  • Next, toss 4 tbsp of salted butter into a large sauce pan, and melt over medium heat.
  • Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 3 tbsp of all purpose flour.
  • Whisk the flour with the butter, and make sure that there aren't any lumps.
  • Now pour the half & half into the sauce pan, and whisk until smooth.
  • Let the flour, butter, and half & half mixture cook until it starts to thicken, then reduce the heat to low medium.
  • Add in 8 oz of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and mix until well incorporated. 
  • Sprinkle the seasoning salt & black pepper in the cheese sauce, and stir.
  • Place the cooked & drained elbow macaroni pasta into a large bowl, then add in the cheese sauce.
  • Fold the macaroni and cheese sauce until everything is well incorporated.
  • Grab a 9x13 bake dish, and butter or lightly oil it.
  • Combine the remaining shredded sharp cheddar cheese with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Add a layer of the macaroni and cheese at the bottom of the bake dish, then top with a heavy layer of cheese.  Repeat
  • Melt two tbsp of salted butter, and combine it with the Italian panko bread crumbs.
  • Top the creamy macaroni and cheese casserole with the buttery panko bread crumbs.
  • Bake in the oven, uncovered, on 350 F for about 25-30 minutes.
  • Serve & enjoy the best ever southern baked macaroni and cheese casserole!!

Video

Notes

For best results buy blocks of cheese, and shred it yourself! Store bought shredded cheese has added ingredients, and it doesn't melt as good.

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Filed Under: All Posts, casserole, Dinner, Easter, Fav Thanksgiving, Southern Recipes, Thanksgiving sides

Comments

  1. Robin R Shipman says

    June 3, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    I have to try this but my family ONLY wants your crock pot mac n cheese, I’ll tell them YOU gave me the recipe!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 4, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      Definitely try it! LOL

      Reply
    • Paula says

      April 27, 2020 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      I have never been able to make an edible macaroni and cheese. I screwed up the recipe, because I was reading it off my phone. It still turned out phenomenally. Such an awesome recipe.

      Reply
  2. Tukie says

    June 3, 2018 at 6:39 pm

    OMG! I made this today for our friends, my wife and i and everyone loved it. I will definitely make this again.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 4, 2018 at 4:53 pm

      Thanks for trying my recipe Tukie!

      Reply
      • Margaret Skinner says

        August 25, 2019 at 7:32 am

        I love this soul food mac and cheese
        Thank u so much

        Reply
      • Christine Fofana says

        October 11, 2019 at 9:57 am

        I love your recipes and this one is no exception! Wonderful!

        Reply
    • Jennifer says

      June 25, 2018 at 8:02 pm

      5 stars
      I’m a mac & cheese fanatic. And I’ve made several of your recipes. Like u said, it’s the best. In my opinion the freshest yummiest cheese is in the deli. Thanks for sharing with us all. It’s greatly appreciated.

      Reply
  3. Grace says

    June 3, 2018 at 7:29 pm

    Hey Rosie,

    The Mac & Cheese recipe sounds delicious and looks very simple to prepare. I’m going to try this one for my hubby’s Father’s Day dinner. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 4, 2018 at 4:48 pm

      Thanks for coming by Grace!

      Reply
  4. Merry says

    June 3, 2018 at 9:36 pm

    Sounds yummy. I’ll be making this soon!!♥️

    Reply
  5. Pon says

    June 5, 2018 at 9:29 pm

    def will try making it this weekend, but will have to halve the recipe since I have a small family. they absolutely love the crock mac and cheese., so this will def be another hit in the fam!

    Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    June 21, 2018 at 10:25 pm

    Love this recipe but I add dry mustard and nutmeg to the sauce it gives it that little zip

    Reply
  7. Simone says

    July 23, 2018 at 8:40 am

    Hello. I have made this has to be three times now and my family absolutely loves it. I was just wondering if this would freeze well? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 24, 2018 at 12:38 pm

      Yes, you can freeze it 🙂

      Reply
  8. Ria says

    October 13, 2018 at 10:46 pm

    I will be making this tomorrow! This looks delicious!

    Reply
  9. Ria says

    October 14, 2018 at 10:40 pm

    5 stars
    Soo I made this macaroni and cheese today.. & omg it was soo good!! Thank you soo much for this recipe!

    Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    November 9, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    5 stars
    I made this today & it was sooooo good!

    Reply
  11. Anna Lane says

    November 11, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    Hi Rosie! My question is, can I make this the night before and cook the next day? Sooo excited to try this!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 11, 2018 at 4:51 pm

      You sure can 😉

      Reply
  12. Audrey says

    November 18, 2018 at 3:29 am

    I will be making this for my thanksgiving dinner. its mainly for my grandson, who is a very picky eater.
    thanks for the recipe.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 18, 2018 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks for using my recipe! 🙂

      Reply
      • Rhonda D Millsap says

        November 22, 2020 at 4:24 am

        My sister in law makes the best mac-cheese but this is so amazing thanks my family will enjoy this

        Reply
  13. Rita says

    November 18, 2018 at 5:15 am

    Hi instead of mozzarella can I use Colby and will it be just as delicious?

    Reply
  14. Rita says

    November 18, 2018 at 5:16 am

    Hi instead of mozzarella can I use Colby and will it be just as delicious? Planning on making it today.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 18, 2018 at 12:57 pm

      Absolutely! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Tia says

    November 19, 2018 at 1:42 pm

    5 stars
    Hi Rosie, I’m 23yrs old and I’m married to a man who is used to having home cooked meals. I never really became too familiar with the kitchen growing up, mainly ate salads and tacos lol Your recipes have been helping me out TREMENDOUSLY, when it come to gainingmore confidence in the kitchen. I have made this particular baked mac n cheese a few times now, and will be using it again, for one of my Thanksgiving dishes this year. My family loves it! Thank you so much for your blog. God bless you and I hope you have a great holiday!!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 19, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      Hi Tia! Thank YOU for trying my recipes!

      Reply
  16. Norma says

    November 22, 2018 at 6:45 am

    How many people does this serve?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 22, 2018 at 6:52 am

      It really depends on the people. LOL

      Reply
      • Norma says

        November 22, 2018 at 7:02 am

        I want to make in 16×12 pan but unsure if I need to double recipe ingredients.

        Reply
        • Rosie says

          November 22, 2018 at 7:06 am

          Yes, you will need to double.

          Reply
  17. Ivyhorse says

    February 4, 2019 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    Wow!!! This is the best recipe ever! My kids Love Whole Foods Mac & cheese with breadcrumbs. This is a true match! I doubled this recipe for Super Bowl Sunday; baked in a 9×13 pan. I had to bake it on a cookie sheet so it didn’t over flow in my oven. I only used 8oz of mozzarella & 16oz of sharp cheddar for shredded cheese layers.

    Reply
  18. W. SMITH says

    April 22, 2019 at 5:36 am

    5 stars
    I’ve been making your Southern Baked Mac & Cheese at the request of my family. For pretty much every holiday. Today I switched it up a little and tried this casserole– they loved it even more. For the sake of time I used the bag shredded cheese… next time I’ll grate the block cheese.
    Thanks for sharing your gift!

    Reply
  19. Abbie says

    June 3, 2019 at 2:03 pm

    Hi there. I’m going to make this tonight but I want to know, can I use whole milk instead of half and half? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      June 3, 2019 at 6:13 pm

      For best results follow the recipe listed 🙂

      Reply
  20. Kelley Dodd says

    July 24, 2019 at 10:31 am

    Hi , any recommendations on seasoning salt ? They all vary on taste just don’t want to mess up recipe. Thanks in advance.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      July 29, 2019 at 12:38 pm

      Lawrys or Johnnys 🙂

      Reply
  21. Kirsten says

    August 3, 2019 at 5:32 pm

    5 stars
    This recipe is delicious!! I used ritz crackers instead of Panko and I used some Parmesan in place of some of the mozzarella because it is what I had on hand!! It is so so good!! My picky eater boyfriend devoured it!

    Reply
  22. Marlene says

    September 11, 2019 at 8:00 am

    You suggest block cheese but to save time is it ok to use the already shredded?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      September 13, 2019 at 1:49 pm

      Sure thing 🙂

      Reply
  23. Cheryl Caban says

    September 21, 2019 at 5:15 am

    I just found you on line while looking for a simple macaroni casserole. I just finished making this for my 6 year old niece at her request! I was sampling it the whole time…it’s gonna be awesome! Thanks so much for an easy recipe and I’m looking forward to checking out your other recipes.

    Reply
  24. Maria Jaquez says

    October 6, 2019 at 12:08 pm

    Made this recipe without the bread crumbs! Delicious

    Reply
  25. Adriana says

    November 18, 2019 at 11:59 am

    5 stars
    I love this recipe it’s so easy to make and really delicious

    Reply
  26. Jordan says

    November 25, 2019 at 8:54 am

    I’m going to cook this tonight and was wondering if I should cook the noodles a little less since it’s going in the oven? Like 6 min instead of 10? Thanks for the recipe (:

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 26, 2019 at 2:19 pm

      The written recipe is right on hun. Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  27. Kaitlyn says

    November 25, 2019 at 3:04 pm

    5 stars
    I made this tonight for my family. All I can say is WOW!! This is the best baked macaroni and cheese i’ve ever made! I even had to use milk instead of half and half and it was still delicious. I will definitely be printing to save and make again, thank you!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 26, 2019 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks so much for trying my recipe! Happy Holidays!

      Reply
  28. Z’s Mom says

    November 25, 2019 at 6:18 pm

    5 stars
    Made this today and it was absolutely delicious. I lightly browned the panko bread crumbs with the butter before topping the mac n cheese. Super simple and absolutely delicious!!!

    Reply
  29. Francine Bookwalter says

    November 27, 2019 at 7:09 am

    Well…since I, and everyone else in my family LOVED your slow cooker mac and cheese, I’ll be making this recipe for our day after Thanksgiving dinner (thought it would go well with hot turkey sandwiches) and I’ll be making your candied yams with Marshmallow for our Thanksgiving dinner. So glad I found you!!!! I have a feeling these recipes will be a hit too!!!! Happy Holidays!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 27, 2019 at 9:37 am

      Hi there! I’m glad that you found me as well!! Happy holidays luv!!

      Reply
  30. NoniB says

    December 2, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    I came online to *try* to find a recipe like my mother’s but with no success so used yours. The only thing I ‘tweaked’ was the butter; I used some bacon drippings instead of all butter because I was short on one and had some of the other. For the crumbs, I used a combination of gluten-free Italian spiced in 50/50 combo with fine crumbs from homemade white bread that was going to go stale, so I toasted and crumbed the slices. I’m SO anxious to see if it turns out well. I used 2 1# boxes of pasta and enough white sauce to fill the dish well, had to use deli-sliced sharp Cheddar and Monterey-Jack. I forgot to put any salt in the white sauce but with the bacon grease and cheese, suspect it will be adequately salted. Also added a modest amount of cracked black pepper to the white sauce. What can I say…I just cannot ever leave a good recipe alone. Oh, wow! It’s great; glad I omitted the salt (I did salt the water that I cooked the pasta in) in the white sauce. Any more would have been too much. Thank you for sharing your Great recipe!

    Reply
  31. Alexys says

    December 5, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    This recipe was amazing even though I messed it up! I think the milk/flour mixture was a little bit too hot for the cheese and it curdled 🙁 bummer but it was still so so good. I’ll have to make it again

    Reply
  32. Jennifer Derbigny says

    December 22, 2019 at 8:31 am

    5 stars
    For Thanksgiving I made this recipe and it was the best. My family loved it. I just have to say that I’m not a cook but because I had follow your directions, my family thought I was the best cook. Than you, thank you from the bottom of my heart I thank you. My whole Thanksgiving meal came from your recipes.

    Reply
  33. Carrie says

    December 27, 2019 at 11:17 am

    5 stars
    I made this for my mom, husband, and son on Christmas Day, and we all loved it! It’s the first time I’ve made homemade macaroni and cheese, and it was so delicious. Everyone raved about it! Thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply
  34. R. Wilson says

    March 12, 2020 at 8:58 am

    5 stars
    I am 67 years old & have searched for a superior macaroni & cheese recipe for years. This dish is absolutely DELICIOUS and it’s the only recipe I use now. Creamy, crunchy, slightly chewy, and 100% mouthwatering.
    Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
  35. Kaitlyn Beiler says

    March 18, 2020 at 9:28 am

    Oh. My.
    Made this today with leftover mac and cheese that had been in the refrigerator. For the cheese sauce, I used some homeade soft chevre and whole goat milk.
    Delish! Ommited the breadcrumbs. I’ve been looking for an easy mac and cheese cassrole and I have found it! Thank you, Ms. Rosie! If my 13 year old self can make it, anyone can!

    Reply
  36. Dani says

    April 21, 2020 at 5:24 pm

    Thank you I tried the recipe today and it was amazing!! This is a keeper the best Mac and cheese I have ever made!! Awesome recipe!

    Reply
  37. Jenny R. says

    May 4, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    It’s just me and my husband so I cut amounts in half and used 6 oz of ziti pasta. My husband is not a huge mac and cheese fan, but he loved it! Very high praise indeed. This was the perfect complement to smoked chicken wings. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  38. Titi says

    May 26, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    5 stars
    I finally made your Mac n cheese yesterday and GIRL!!!!!!! My husband TORE IT THE HELL UP!!!! So good! ‼️

    Reply
  39. Angel says

    June 4, 2020 at 3:23 pm

    My family and I loved it… We love our casseroles! Thank you for the amazing recipe

    Reply
  40. Emily says

    June 14, 2020 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    Oh. My. Goodness. SO good! I made this for my dad for Fathers Day and was nervous because it was the first time I was trying this recipe…. man was it delicious! Whole family loved it and my dad insisted I send it to him. This is coming from a man who is brutally honest. Wouldn’t change a thing!

    Reply
  41. Marisa Hackney says

    November 18, 2020 at 7:45 am

    Should I double this recipe for thanksgiving for around 15 people?

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 18, 2020 at 4:21 pm

      Yes.

      Reply
      • Kattia Rivas says

        November 25, 2020 at 5:28 am

        Thank you! I was going to ask the same question. Love this Mac N Cheese Recipe I tried it out last year at Thanksgiving and it was a big hit. I am making it again tomorrow HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

        Reply
  42. Laura says

    November 21, 2020 at 7:25 am

    4 stars
    This looks amazing! The only issue I had was I thought I needed to add more salt on top of the seasoning salt. That’s because I read it incorrectly. I hope it’s not too salty! I made this for my daughter’s Friendsgiving so I hope everyone likes it. Thank you for this recipe!

    Reply
  43. Lex says

    September 17, 2021 at 2:41 pm

    5 stars
    I made this delectable side dish and it was a knockout according to my boyfriend and my 11-yr-old son. I mixed 4 ozs. each colby-jack and mild cheddar instead of mozzarella. I couldn’t find my ground pepper for some reason, so I went without it and it still was a winner! You were spot on with this recipe! It really is a crowd-pleaser. I’m making it again per request. Loved making it because it was so simple and loved it even more eating it

    Reply
  44. aubrie mitchell says

    November 13, 2021 at 6:31 pm

    5 stars
    I have made this macaroni for the last few years, it’s always a winner during the holidays, I have tried others but none compare to this one!

    Reply
  45. Natosha says

    November 13, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    I haven’t tried this recipe yet, but will come thanksgiving!

    Reply
  46. Kim says

    November 14, 2021 at 8:04 pm

    5 stars
    This is my go to Mac and cheese. I gave it a trail run over the summer and it was a hit!!!

    Definitely using this for Thanksgiving this year!

    Reply
  47. Tanja K says

    November 15, 2021 at 9:32 am

    5 stars
    Love this ONE because there isn’t any eggs in the recipe. My mother said REAL Mac & Cheese do NOT have any Eggs in it. Whatever I just love this one

    Reply
  48. Danielle Guidry says

    November 15, 2021 at 11:00 am

    5 stars
    Thanksgiving ain’t Thanksgiving without the macaroni and cheese got to have it thanks for sharing cousin

    Reply
  49. DeCarla Steele says

    November 24, 2021 at 6:25 am

    5 stars
    I always wondered how my mom made everything taste so amazing. I never could cook like her and when she passed away, I was sad because I didn’t learn all I could from her. Your recipes taste just like my mom’s and just how I remember. Thank you for giving me this!

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      November 24, 2021 at 6:29 am

      Thank you! Happy holidays!

      Reply
  50. Estefany says

    November 25, 2021 at 7:56 am

    5 stars
    This is the only recipe I will make for any special occasion or holiday and dinner so for everything lol. My husband and kids love it. This will forever be the o my recipe I use to make mac and cheese bake.

    Reply
  51. Rita Vinson says

    December 11, 2021 at 1:20 pm

    I’m looking for the mac and cheese with the cream cheese and other cheeses from the video I just watched but can’t find it on the website. Can someone send me that recipe or where to find it.

    Reply
    • Rosie says

      December 12, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      Its here.

      Reply

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