Southern Mac and Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Dec. 19, 2023
No down-home meal is complete without Southern mac and cheese. Three types of cheese and a squirt of mustard make this comforting dish sing! —Katie Sloan, Charlotte, North Carolina
Southern Mac and Cheese Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), melted
  • 2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, butter, mustard, seasoned salt and pepper until combined. Stir in the process cheese and 1-1/2 cups of each cheddar cheese.
  3. Drain macaroni; stir into cheese mixture. Pour into a greased 3-qt. baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses. Bake, uncovered, until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly, 25-30 minutes.

Southern Mac and Cheese Tips

How do you store Southern mac and cheese?

Like other mac and cheese recipes, you can store this Southern version for up to 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Once you're ready to enjoy, follow one of these methods for reheating pasta.

What can you serve Southern mac and cheese with?

Serve this mac and cheese with other Southern comfort food dishes like fried chicken or pulled pork sandwiches.

What are some variations to this Southern mac and cheese recipe?

Swap one of the sharp cheddars for Colby-Jack or mild cheddar cheese. Just make sure you don't replace the Velveeta—that's key to the creaminess of this mac and cheese recipe. You could also try adding some toppings like toasted bread crumbs to add a little bite!

—Christina Herbst, Taste of Home Assistant Digital Editor

Nutrition Facts

1-1/2 cups: 830 calories, 45g fat (30g saturated fat), 213mg cholesterol, 1368mg sodium, 67g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 39g protein.