There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy, homemade macaroni and cheese to bring back nostalgic family memories. This Southern-style mac and cheese recipe takes the classic dish up a notch with a rich blend of cheddar, muenster, and gouda cheeses, giving it a creamy, decadent texture that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or a cozy family meal, this baked macaroni and cheese recipe will have everyone coming back for seconds! 🧀✨
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy Texture – The combination of heavy whipping cream and eggs creates a perfectly smooth and custard-like texture.
- Irresistible Cheese Blend – The mix of cheddar, muenster, and gouda adds depth, flavor, and melty goodness.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and easy steps make this easy homemade mac and cheese recipe beginner-friendly.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Whether for a potluck, holiday dinner, or weeknight meal, this Southern baked mac and cheese is always a hit!
Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- 12 oz long macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 lb cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 lb muenster cheese, shredded
- 1/2 lb gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 pint heavy whipping cream
- 3 large eggs
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large casserole dish
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
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Homemade Baked Macaroni and Cheese Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the macaroni until tender but slightly firm to prevent overcooking during baking. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Casserole Dish
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt 2 tbsp of butter in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
3. Layer the Mac and Cheese
- First Layer: Add half of the cooked noodles, followed by muenster cheese and half of the cheddar. Dot with a few small pats of butter.
- Second Layer: Add another layer of noodles, then the remaining cheddar and gouda cheese. Add a few more pats of butter on top.
4. Prepare the Custard Mixture
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy whipping cream until well combined.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the oven-baked macaroni and cheese, ensuring it soaks into the layers.
- Dot the top with any remaining butter.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake uncovered at 375°F for about 20 minutes.
- Check doneness by sliding a spoon down one side of the casserole—it should be congealed, not runny.
- If it’s still too liquid, continue baking in 5-minute intervals until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the mac and cheese casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy hot with your favorite sides! 🍽️
Expert Tips for the Best Baked Mac & Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooking the noodles helps them absorb the custard mixture while baking without becoming mushy.
- Let it rest before serving – This helps the cheese set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Pair this Southern baked macaroni and cheese with:
- Southern Fried Chicken 🍗
- Collard Greens 🥬
- Baked Ham 🍖
- Roasted Vegetables 🥕
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in short intervals.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
You May Also Like
This homemade baked macaroni and cheese is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or a weeknight dinner, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. Try this make-ahead mac and cheese and let me know what you think in the comments! 😊💛
Homemade Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large Pot for boiling pasta.
- Large casserole dish to bake the macaroni and cheese.
- Mixing Bowl to combine egg and heavy cream.
- Whisk to combine egg and heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 12 oz long macaroni or whatever pasta you prefer
- 1 lb cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb muenster cheese
- 1/2 lb gouda cheese
- 1 pt heavy whipping cream
- 3 lg eggs
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salt water until tender.
- Melt 2 tbsp butter in the bottom of a large casserole dish.
- Layer noodles, muenster cheese, and half the cheddar. Top with a few pads of butter.
- Add another layer of noodles, more cheddar, gouda, and top with a few pads of butter.
- Beat the eggs in the whipping cream and pour over the entire casserole. Dot with any additional pads of butter on top.
- Bake uncovered at 375℉ for about 20 minutes. Check to see if it's done by sliding a spoon down one side of the casserole. It should be congealed, not runny. If it is still runny continue to bake and recheck every 5 minutes until you get the desired consistency.
- Serve hot.
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