Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-26 · Updated 2026-03-26

Creamy macaroni and cheese baked to golden perfection, with a crispy breadcrumb topping and a touch of smoked paprika. This Southern-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 16 oz macaroni
• 8 oz grated cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook 16 oz macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour until smooth, then gradually add 2 cups milk. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens into a roux.
3. Step 3: Stir in 8 oz grated cheddar cheese, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, and 1 tbsp smoked paprika. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer to a baking dish and spread out.
5. Step 5: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the macaroni. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.