Mama’s Baked Mac & Cheese

In Jamie’s Kitchen, beloved family recipes hold a special place, bringing together flavors, stories, and memories from the heart. Today, we’re diving into a Southern mac and cheese recipe that has been a part of my journey from the early days of learning to cook. Mama’s Baked Mac and Cheese is not just any dish—it’s an old-fashioned mac and cheese recipe that has become a comforting classic for my family. Simple yet so satisfying, this American mac and cheese recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden, baked crust that everyone loves.

The Meltability Factor

Having the right tools in your kitchen can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to getting that perfect, creamy melt for your Southern baked mac and cheese. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly, so grating your own cheese is the way to go for the best meltability factor. I recommend using a rotary cheese grater for this task—it’s easy to use, and it takes the effort out of grating larger quantities. This particular grater features a larger, no-clog barrel and a full-surface suction base, so it stays securely in place while you work. I’ve found that it not only makes grating faster but also provides a finer, fluffier grate that melts seamlessly into sauces and dishes. I highly recommend it as a must-have tool in your kitchen!

A Family Tradition: Mama’s Baked Mac and Cheese

Mama’s Southern baked mac and cheese came into my life when I stumbled upon an old cookbook my mother acquired as part of a school fundraiser. These community cookbooks were treasure troves of family recipes, each entry a contribution from a parent or grandparent eager to share their own culinary traditions. When I found the mac and cheese recipe tucked into one of these cookbooks, it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. This easy mac and cheese recipe has been cherished ever since, bringing smiles and satisfaction with every bite.

Over time, I committed this creamy baked mac and cheese recipe to memory, cooking it often for family gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. It wasn’t long before my own kids grew up on it, coming to love this classic as much as I did. Now, as they visit, they ask for this Southern mac and cheese recipe as if it were a special treat—a request that brings me joy every time.

Why This Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Stands Out

What makes Mama’s baked mac and cheese so special? It’s the simplicity and depth of flavor. This isn’t a recipe weighed down by fancy ingredients; instead, it relies on a handful of classic mac and cheese ingredients that bring out the essence of traditional American mac and cheese. When you taste it, you’ll notice the creamy texture from the roux, the rich, sharp flavor of cheddar, and the baked golden crust that makes it hard to resist seconds.

Let’s talk about the beauty of this old-fashioned mac and cheese recipe. There’s no need for elaborate steps or ingredients—just a few basic staples that come together to create a memorable and satisfying dish. For many families, recipes like this have been passed down for generations, each time bringing back a flood of memories and flavors from the past.

Ingredients for Mama’s Southern Baked Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need to make this perfect mac and cheese:

• 16 oz box of large macaroni noodles – For a hearty base that holds up well in the oven.
• 4 tbsp butter – To create a rich roux as the base for the cheese sauce.
• 4 tbsp flour – This thickens the sauce and gives it that creamy texture we all love.
• 16 oz (4 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese – The heart of any Southern mac and cheese recipe.
• 2 cups milk – To make the sauce creamy and smooth.
• Black pepper – Just a pinch to enhance the flavor.

How to Make Mama’s Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Step One: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 350°F.

Step Two: Cook the Pasta

Boil the macaroni noodles for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid overcooking. Drain and set aside.

Step Three: Prepare the Roux

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about one minute to form a smooth roux. This will serve as the base of our creamy sauce.

Step Four: Make the Cheese Sauce

Slowly whisk in the milk and let it warm up until it thickens slightly. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and black pepper until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step Five: Combine and Bake

Stir in the cooked macaroni, ensuring each noodle is coated in that luscious cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the top begins to crisp and the edges are bubbly.

Step Six: Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s golden and bubbly, let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese

Whether you’re prepping for a holiday meal, a potluck, or just a cozy dinner at home, this make-ahead mac and cheese is a game changer. It allows you to do all the hard work ahead of time so that when your guests arrive, all that’s left is to pop it in the oven. The flavors meld together as it sits, making it even tastier by the time it’s baked. It’s a perfect mac and cheese for any occasion!

A Dish That Brings People Together

In Jamie’s Kitchen, recipes like this Southern baked mac and cheese bring family and friends around the table to share in something truly special. This easy mac and cheese recipe is more than just a side dish—it’s a tradition, a memory, and a reminder of the power of good food to bring us together. Whether you’re making it for the first time or adding it to your list of go-to family favorites, Mama’s Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to become a dish your family will request over and over again.

So, gather your mac and cheese ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make a creamy baked mac and cheese that’s rich, delicious, and perfect for sharing. In every cheesy, warm bite, you’ll taste a bit of nostalgia, a hint of tradition, and the timeless joy of a homemade meal.

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