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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy baked southern-style macaroni and cheese, a cheesy baked casserole and soul food classic.

Southern baked macaroni and cheese close up of piece in baking dish.

I've lived in St. Louis for some time now, and as I've said before, it's very "southern" here in terms of cooking.  One of our favorite soul food restaurants had the best mac and cheese, and that would be Sweetie Pie's.  Miss Robie's recipe is easily found on the web and the local paper has published a paired down recipe for the home cook.

Overhead of baked mac and cheese in casserole dish.

I'm pretty sure the location we went to in The Grove neighborhood has closed and I don't understand all the drama surrounding the closing.  It was the subject of a reality TV show at one point.  I just know we went often and always, always had her macaroni and cheese.

What is southern macaroni and cheese?

It's basically a custard-style baked macaroni and cheese with eggs and evaporated milk.  This version uses three kinds of cheese and butter and a little sour cream.  It bakes up creamy but firm, hearty and filling and absolutely delicious.

Baking dish with serving spoon in mac and cheese.

How to make this soul food classic

Four photo process collage.

It's really easy, here's how:

  1. Cook and drain elbow macaroni and place in baking dish or pan.
  2. Make the custard mixture by whisking together milk, evaporated milk and eggs and some seasoning, pour mixture over macaroni.
  3. Add the butter, sour cream and three cheeses and stir to combine well.
  4. Top with more grated cheese and bake until bubbly and top is browned.

Finished baked dish with browned top.

Recipe Notes and Tips

  • People swear by Velveeta in this recipe, do not use a substitute.  Miss Robie herself uses only Velveeta.
  • While pre-packaged shredded cheese works fine, grating your own is the better option.  It just melts better.
  • It's going to be oily on top after baking, that's how it is with real cheeses and butter.  If you think it's excessive, blot some up with a paper towel while it rests.  I do sometimes.
  • Reheats are great, just pop in the microwave.
  • This is filling and hearty enough to serve as the main dish but most often it is a side dish.  It's unbelievably good alongside collard greens and fried chicken!

Serving of mac and cheese on white plate with casserole in background.

Delicious soulful macaroni and cheese, doesn't get any better than this.  A real treat and labor of love for Sunday supper and the holiday table.  Trust me on this one! Kelly🍴🐦

Serving of baked macaroni and cheese on spoon pulling out of baking dish.

Try these collard greens in the Instant Pot for some more traditional soul food.

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Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic southern-style baked macaroni and cheese with egg-milk custard and lots of cheese, soul food heaven!
4.88 from 515 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 471kcal

Ingredients

  • 8 to 10 ounces elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup whole milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • teaspoons white pepper
  • teaspoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ½ pound Velveeta, cut into small chunks
  • 8 ounces shredded Colby-Jack cheese or 4 ounces Colby and 4 ounces Monterey Jack
  • 4 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350º. Bring large pot of water to boil and then salt generously. Cook macaroni just shy of package directions, al dente. Drain well and place in 9" by 13" baking dish or pan.
  • In same pasta pot, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, pepper and sugar until combined. Pour mixture over cooked macaroni in pan.
  • Add butter, sour cream, Velveeta, Colby-Jack and sharp cheddar cheeses. Stir to combine well and top evenly with shredded mild cheddar.
  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned on top. Let rest 10 minutes or so before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

  • People swear by Velveeta in this recipe, do not use a substitute.  Miss Robie herself uses only Velveeta.
  • While pre-packaged shredded cheese works fine, grating your own is the better option.  It just melts better.
  • It’s going to be oily on top after baking, that’s how it is with real cheeses and butter.  If you think it’s excessive, blot some up with a paper towel while it rests.  I do sometimes.
  • Reheats are great, just pop in the microwave.
  • This is filling and hearty enough to serve as the main dish but most often it is a side dish.  It’s unbelievably good alongside collard greens and fried chicken!

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal Carbohydrates: 26g Protein: 22g Fat: 31g Saturated Fat: 19g Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 8g Trans Fat: 1g Cholesterol: 124mg Sodium: 889mg Potassium: 315mg Fiber: 1g Sugar: 7g Vitamin A: 1122IU Vitamin C: 1mg Calcium: 565mg Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe? Please comment, rate it and share! And mention me on Instagram @thehungrybluebird or tag #thehungrybluebird so I can see!

*Inspired by Sweetie Pie's, St. Louis and adapted from STL Post-Dispatch.

Recipe Rating




Denise

Sunday 11th of February 2024

I’ve made this twice. The first time was for Thanksgiving. I cut the amount of butter in half and everybody said it was the best macaroni and cheese they ever had. I also used smoked Gouda for most of the cheddar. It was a major hit. I just made it again using the original recipe with the full amount of butter, and it is way too much butter. Great recipe, just halve the butter.

Melissa Hall

Monday 1st of January 2024

I made this least night and it’s amazing!! My new favorite dish for the holidays!!

Sue

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

How would adapt the recipe to bake in cupcake pan rather than one large baking dish. Thanks for posting this wonderful recipe next Thanksgiving will do 2-3 large pans it went so fast I hardly got any.

Luis

Monday 20th of November 2023

Great recipe if you followed, you have some great mac and cheese.

Andrew

Monday 20th of November 2023

WAY too much butter, only use a half or even quarter stick of butter. Other than that it's delicious

Sue

Wednesday 20th of December 2023

@Becca Lee, Used grated cheese from store did not grate my own and it was absolutely fantastic! Best Mac and Cheese recipe I have baked and or eaten in over 60 years...maybe you were choosing wrong brand of cheese!

Becca Lee

Thursday 23rd of November 2023

@Andrew, if you don’t grate the cheese yourself it does not turn out right. I have followed the recipe exactly as it is with grated cheese from the store and it is too greasy.