The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Inaya from the beautiful island of Crete, and today I’m bringing a little taste of the American South to my Mediterranean kitchen! The first time I tried Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese, I was visiting a friend from Georgia. Her grandmother pulled a bubbling golden dish from the oven, and the smell alone made me fall in love. I remember thinking this is what comfort tastes like.
Since then, I’ve made my own version, blending that classic Southern richness with a touch of simplicity that reminds me of home. In Crete, we love dishes that bring people together, and this one does exactly that. Every creamy bite, every layer of melted cheese, feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, Sunday gathering, or holiday feast, this Southern macaroni and cheese will make everyone at the table smile.
What makes this recipe stand out is its soul baked to perfection, full of flavor, and made with love. It’s not just pasta and cheese; it’s a memory, a story, a piece of heart. ❤️
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious, creamy, and baked Southern-style mac and cheese:
🧈 For the pasta:
- 1 pound (450 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
🧀 For the cheese sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk (warm)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Colby Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
🧆 For baking:
- 1 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make magic happen creamy, golden, Southern-style macaroni and cheese that’ll melt in your mouth!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta 🍝
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the macaroni until just al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions). Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon butter, and set aside. You don’t want it too soft it’ll continue cooking in the oven.
Step 2: Make the Roux 🔥
In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes, until smooth and slightly golden. This forms your roux the secret to a thick, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Add the Milk and Cream 🥛
Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add the heavy cream. Continue whisking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of your spoon.
Step 4: Add the Cheese 🧀
Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheeses (reserving 1 cup for topping). Add Dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the sauce is silky and cheesy.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce ❤️
Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat every piece. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. You want every bite to sing with cheesy flavor!
Step 6: Assemble and Bake 🔔
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour half the cheesy pasta into a buttered 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheddar, then add the rest of the pasta. Top with the remaining cheese.
For extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 7: Let It Rest ⏳
Remove from the oven and let your mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.
Serving Suggestions 🍽️
This Southern-style macaroni and cheese pairs beautifully with fried chicken, collard greens, or a simple green salad. For a touch of Greek flair, I sometimes serve it with roasted vegetables and a drizzle of olive oil it adds a light balance to all that creamy richness.
You can even prepare it ahead of time just assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake it fresh and enjoy that perfect golden crust.
For a little twist, try adding crispy bacon bits or caramelized onions between layers it’s heavenly!
Tips for the Perfect Southern Mac and Cheese 💡
- Use block cheese, not pre-shredded. Freshly grated cheese melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Remember, it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Warm milk helps. Adding warm milk to your roux ensures a lump-free sauce.
- Rest before serving. This makes your mac and cheese creamy and sliceable.
Recipe Card 🧾
🕒 Time Cook: 45 minutes
🥣 Ingredients: 11 main + cheese varieties
👩🍳 Instructions: Boil pasta → Make roux → Add cheese → Mix → Bake
📝 Note: Let cool 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
💪 Nutrition (per serving): ~520 kcal | 24g fat | 48g carbs | 23g protein
My Short 100-Word Story Version 💬
Hi, I’m Inaya from Crete! The first time I tasted Southern-style mac and cheese was at a friend’s home in Georgia golden, creamy, and unforgettable. I brought that memory back to my kitchen, adding a touch of Mediterranean love. This recipe blends the Southern charm of baked cheese and pasta with simple Cretan warmth. Every bite feels like family, comfort, and togetherness. Perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners, it’s a dish that says, “you’re home.” Try this soul-filled macaroni and cheese easy to make, rich in flavor, and guaranteed to bring smiles around your table. ❤️
