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Southern mac and cheese.

Get the Recipe: Southern Mac and Cheese

This Southern mac and cheese is pure comfort food! It is creamy, cheesy, flavorful and always a family favorite. It is great for family dinners, holidays, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and more. Both kids and adults love this soul food recipe!
5 from 6 votes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp flour, regular or gluten free
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ¾ cup mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup sharp cheddar cheese
  • extra cheese, to garnish

Instructions 

  • First, cook macaroni according to directions. Rinse, drain and set aside. Spray a 10.5 inch by 7.5 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Meanwhile, add butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Once butter has melted, whisk in flour. Continuing whisking to create a thick slurry.
  • Add in the whole milk, evaporated milk, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper and Cajun seasoning. Bring to a light simmer for 2 minutes or until slightly thickened.
  • Add mozzarella cheese and sharp cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until thick and creamy. Turn off heat.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet. Stir until coated.
  • Pour into the greased pan. Add extra cheese on top.
  • Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until cheesy is melted on top and edges are bubbly.
  • Finally, remove from oven. Serve!

Notes

  • Both regular and gluten free pasta and flour work in this recipe.  For these photos and recipe testing, I always use 100% gluten free ingredients.
  • Feel free to use store bought or homemade Cajun seasoning.
  • The cheese sauce mixture will be pretty thick.
  • I used a 10.5 inch by 7.5 inch baking pan.  Feel free to use a 9 inch by 9 inch pan.
  • Bake until edges are bubbly and cheese on top is melted.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • To make this ahead of time, follow this recipe but do not bake it yet.  Cover and chill for up to 3 days until ready to eat.  Then bake.
Calories: 292kcal, Carbohydrates: 31g, Protein: 14g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 35mg, Sodium: 341mg, Potassium: 300mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 452IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 288mg, Iron: 1mg