Step 3 – Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
Stir well until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4 – Assemble the Baked Mac and Cheese

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a baking dish with butter.
Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.
Add the topping cheese evenly across the top.
Sprinkle with paprika for a golden-brown finish.

Step 5 – Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the top is bubbling and lightly browned.
For an extra crispy top, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end—carefully watch to avoid burning.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🍽️ How to Serve Baked Mac and Cheese

This dish is perfect on its own but pairs incredibly well with:

Fried chicken
BBQ ribs
Meatloaf
Holiday turkey
Roasted vegetables
Green beans and cornbread

It’s the kind of side dish that steals the spotlight.

🔄 Variations and Add-Ins

Make this recipe uniquely yours by customizing it:

Extra Creamy Version

Add ½ cup cream cheese to the sauce.

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Mix in:

Jalapeños
Red pepper flakes
Pepper Jack cheese

Meaty Mac

Add cooked:

Bacon
Shredded chicken
Ground beef

Breadcrumb Topping

For crunch, combine:

½ cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Sprinkle on top before baking.

❄️ How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator

Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze tightly sealed portions for up to 2 months.

Reheat Tips

Add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess.
Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes for best results.

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❤️ Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Southern Baked Mac and Cheese is everything comfort food should be: warm, rich, creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight meal, it always delivers that “wow” factor.

If you’d like a Facebook hook post, a short caption, hashtags, or a printable recipe card, just say the word!