Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy macaroni and cheese baked to golden perfection, with a crispy breadcrumb topping and a touch of smoked paprika. This southern-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs macaroni, grated 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 4: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Transfer to a baking dish and spread out.
- 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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep macaroni from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Southern-Style Macaroni and Cheese?
Southern pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
