Southern Baked Macaroni & Cheese (releasing MY Inner Paula Dean)
SOUTHERN BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE (RELEASING MY INNER PAULA DEAN) is a medium Southern United States recipe that serves 6. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by SAM THE COOKING GUY on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 43 min | Total: 1 hr 18 min
Cost: $17.43 total, $2.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (dry)
- 6 slices Bacon (cut into bite‑size pieces after cooking)
- 2 pieces Large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 3 tablespoons Sour Cream
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded fresh)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded fresh)
- 8 ounces Velveeta (cut into cubes)
- 0.25 cup Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 1 tablespoon Bacon Grease (reserved from cooking bacon)
- 0.5 cup Extra Shredded Cheddar (for topping)
- 0.25 cup Extra Shredded Monterey Jack (for topping)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and stir frequently for 7‑8 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 100°C
Render the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they are just beginning to crisp but still slightly soft, rendering the fat. Remove bacon, crumble, and reserve the grease.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat (~180°C on stovetop)
Make the Custard Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, sour cream, kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Shred the Cheeses
Using a box grater, shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Set aside separately.
Time: PT5M
Cube the Velveeta
Cut the Velveeta into 1‑inch cubes to help it melt quickly later.
Time: PT2M
Combine Pasta and Cheese
Return the drained macaroni to the pot. Add the Velveeta cubes, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, butter pieces, crumbled bacon, and pour in the custard mixture. Stir over low heat until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low heat (~120°C)
Prepare the Baking Pan
Spread 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon grease around the bottom and sides of a cast‑iron skillet using a paper towel.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Pan and Top
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared skillet. Sprinkle the extra shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack evenly over the top.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the skillet in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F and bake for 30‑40 minutes, until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets and is easier to slice.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: contains meat, high protein, high calcium
Allergens: dairy, egg, gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: corkscrew pasta, penne
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, smoked ham
- Instead of Large Eggs: egg substitute
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, half‑and‑half
- Instead of Kosher Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, creme fraiche
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: sharp cheddar, colby
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: mozzarella, colby jack
- Instead of Velveeta: American cheese, processed cheddar
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Bacon Grease: olive oil, vegetable oil
- Instead of Extra Shredded Cheddar: extra Monterey Jack
- Instead of Extra Shredded Monterey Jack: extra cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Box Grater
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Paper Towel
- Cast Iron Skillet (or oven‑safe baking dish)
- Spatula
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook the Pasta
- Render the Bacon
- Combine Pasta and Cheese
- Bake
Chef Tips from the Video
- Shred your own cheddar for the best melt and flavor
- Reserve a tablespoon of bacon grease for the pan bottom – it creates the signature Southern crust
- Use a cast‑iron skillet for even heat distribution and a rustic presentation
Troubleshooting
Top is soggy, not browned
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 5‑10 minutes or add a light sprinkle of breadcrumbs.
Cheese becomes grainy or separates
Keep the heat low when melting cheese and stir constantly; add the custard mixture gradually.
Macaroni is over‑soft
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package directions) and drain promptly.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; reheat covered.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the mac and cheese in the skillet, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
- Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 1 month; bake from frozen adding 10‑15 minutes to baking time
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese in Southern United States cuisine?
Macaroni and cheese became a staple in the American South during the 19th century, evolving from a simple boiled pasta dish to a baked, cheese‑rich casserole that reflects Southern comfort food traditions and the region’s love of buttery, cheesy dishes.
What are the traditional regional variations of Southern Baked Mac and Cheese within the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, cooks often add bacon or smoked pork, use Velveeta or processed cheese for extra melt, and top the casserole with a thin layer of shredded cheese instead of breadcrumbs. Coastal versions may include crab or shrimp, while some Appalachian recipes incorporate hot sauce for a kick.
How is Southern Baked Mac and Cheese traditionally served in Southern households?
It is typically served as a main course or hearty side at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals, often accompanied by collard greens, cornbread, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
During which occasions or celebrations is Southern Baked Mac and Cheese commonly prepared in Southern culture?
It appears at Sunday family dinners, church potlucks, birthday parties, and especially during holiday feasts such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, where its comforting flavor fits the festive spread.
How does Southern Baked Mac and Cheese fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
The dish embodies the Southern culinary themes of indulgent butter, cheese, and pork, showcasing the region’s emphasis on hearty, one‑pot meals that are easy to share and reheat for leftovers.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Southern Baked Mac and Cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Velveeta (or similar processed cheese), bacon, whole milk, sour cream, and butter. Substitutes can be sharp American cheese for Velveeta, smoked turkey bacon for pork bacon, or Greek yogurt for sour cream while maintaining texture.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
Pairs beautifully with collard greens, fried okra, cornbread, black-eyed peas, or a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad to cut through the richness.
What makes Southern Baked Mac and Cheese special or unique compared to other mac and cheese recipes?
The use of bacon grease on the pan bottom creates a caramelized, slightly smoky crust, while the combination of Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack yields an ultra‑creamy custard base that’s richer than standard stovetop versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern Baked Mac and Cheese?
Overcooking the pasta, overheating the cheese causing graininess, over‑crisping the bacon (which loses its fat), and under‑browning the top are typical pitfalls. Keep heat low when melting cheese and stir constantly.
How do I know when Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the top cheese is golden‑brown, and a spoon inserted into the center comes out hot without liquid pooling. A quick visual check at 30 minutes helps prevent over‑baking.
What does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY specialize in?
The YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY focuses on approachable, high‑energy cooking tutorials that blend classic American comfort foods with bold flavor twists, often emphasizing practical tips for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel SAM THE COOKING GUY's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
SAM THE COOKING GUY combines humor and rapid‑fire instruction with a willingness to experiment (like adding Velveeta and bacon grease), whereas many traditional Southern channels stick strictly to heritage recipes without such modern shortcuts.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
