I remember the first time I tasted true Southern-style mac and cheese. It wasn’t just any regular mac and cheese—it was the kind that made you close your eyes and hum with delight after the first bite. You know, the kind that sticks to your ribs, warms your soul, and makes you question why you’ve been eating anything else your entire life. It was creamy, cheesy, rich, and baked to golden perfection. But the best part? It was made by my Aunt Millie, a woman who could make magic happen in the kitchen with nothing but a wooden spoon and a cast-iron skillet.
Aunt Millie had a way of turning a simple dish into a masterpiece, and when I finally got my hands on her secret recipe, I realized it was eerily similar to one of my favorite Paula Deen recipes. Now, if there’s one woman who knows how to do comfort food right, it’s Paula Deen. Her Paula Deen Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is the epitome of indulgence, and with a few little tweaks inspired by Aunt Millie, I created my very own version of the ultimate Southern Mac And Cheese Recipe Soul Food lovers dream about.
So, if you’re craving a homemade mac and cheese recipe baked to golden, bubbly perfection, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious mac and cheese that’s perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or just a regular Tuesday night when you need a little extra comfort on your plate.
Why You’ll Love Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese
1. Unapologetically Cheesy
This isn’t just any mac and cheese—it’s the kind that boasts multiple layers of gooey, melty cheese. With sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a touch of Velveeta for that extra creaminess, every bite is a cheesy explosion in your mouth.
2. Southern-Style Perfection
Unlike those runny, sauce-heavy versions, this Southern style mac and cheese is rich, thick, and baked to golden perfection. No watery cheese sauce here—just pure, velvety goodness that sticks to the noodles like a dream.
3. Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something about a warm, cheesy, baked pasta dish that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s the kind of food that brings families together around the dinner table, sharing stories and making memories.
4. It’s Incredibly Easy to Make
I get it—we all love easy dinner recipes that don’t require a culinary degree. This mac and cheese comes together in just 20 minutes before it heads to the oven to get that irresistible golden crust.
5. Crockpot Option Available
If you’re looking for a Paula Dean Mac And Cheese In Crockpot version, you’re in luck! You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, making it even more hands-off while still achieving that rich, creamy texture.
6. Perfect for Any Occasion
This dish is a showstopper at Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. Serve it alongside fried chicken, collard greens, or BBQ, and you’ve got yourself a true Southern feast.
7. Customizable to Your Taste
Want to add a little spice? Throw in some cayenne or smoked paprika. Craving a crunch? Top it with buttery breadcrumbs. This recipe is easily adaptable to suit your personal taste preferences.
Ingredients for the Recipe
You’ll Need:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or cavatappi for extra texture)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Baking dish (9×13)
- Wooden spoon
- Oven
Cooking Instructions: How to Make Paula Deen’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and toss with butter.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, eggs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and dry mustard.
- Layer the Mac and Cheese: In a greased baking dish, add half the cooked pasta. Sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta. Pour half of the milk mixture over it. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese, and milk mixture.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it rest for a few minutes before diving in. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Notes & Tips
1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, make sure to boil it just until al dente. Nobody wants mushy mac and cheese!
2. Want It Extra Creamy?
Adding a dollop of sour cream to the cheese mixture will give it an extra velvety texture.
3. Make It Spicy
If you love a little kick, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
4. Can You Use Pre-Shredded Cheese?
You could, but freshly shredded cheese melts so much better. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
5. Leftovers? No Problem!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes.
6. Crockpot Method
Want to make it even easier? Layer all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Macronutrients Count Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
Bonus Pro Tips for the Recipe
1. Use a Blend of Cheeses
Don’t just stick to one type of cheese. Combining sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. If you love a smoky flavor, try adding some smoked gouda or pepper jack for a little heat.
2. Bake Until Golden and Crispy
For that perfect Southern-style mac and cheese, bake it uncovered for the last 10 minutes. This creates a crispy, golden top layer while keeping the inside creamy and rich.
3. Stir in Some Secret Ingredients
Want to make it even richer? A tablespoon of cream cheese or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the depth of flavor. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle warmth that balances the richness.
4. Don’t Skip the Butter
Tossing the pasta in melted butter before adding it to the cheese mixture helps the sauce cling better and keeps the dish from becoming dry.
5. Make It Ahead
You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it the perfect dish for holidays and gatherings when you need to save time.
6. Add a Crunchy Topping
For an extra crunch, mix some crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the top before baking.
Mac & Cheese Q & A: Cheesy Confessions
1. What Can I Serve With This Mac and Cheese?
This dish pairs perfectly with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, collard greens, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. For a Southern feast, serve it alongside baked beans and sweet tea.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything and store it in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
3. How Do I Make It Even Creamier?
Adding an extra egg and a bit more sour cream can give it an even richer, silkier texture. You can also use evaporated milk instead of whole milk for a thicker consistency.
4. Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Just swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping.
5. What’s the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese?
A mix of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Velveeta works best for a rich, creamy texture. You can also experiment with Colby Jack, Gruyère, or smoked gouda.
6. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
