How do you make Southern baked mac and cheese the Black way?
On this episode of The Soul Food Pod, host Shaunda Necole welcomes her longtime friend Teresa as they reminisce about learning to cook as young adults and their ongoing search for the perfect Southern baked mac and cheese. Their stories move from family cookouts and church dinners to potlucks where friends and relatives judged the best mac and cheese recipes.
Shaunda and Teresa share humorous memories and practical tips, aiming to deliver a reliable, soulful recipe for classic Southern baked mac and cheese. The episode also acknowledges James Hemings, the African American chef credited with introducing an early version of baked mac and cheese into American culinary tradition.
Apple Podcasts: Southern Mac And Cheese
Spotify: Southern Mac And Cheese
How do you make Southern mac and cheese from scratch?
Southern mac and cheese—often called Black mac and cheese when made in the traditional African American way—is prepared from scratch using elbow macaroni cooked in a mixture of milk and water, then mixed with a seasoned, cheesy sauce and baked until bubbly and golden. The seasoning typically includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, and paprika. Cheese blends often combine sharp cheddar with Colby-Jack, American, or mozzarella to create depth of flavor and a creamy texture.
Ingredients for Southern mac and cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided: 1 tablespoon & 3 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ÂĽ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby-Jack cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups water
- 4ÂĽ cups milk (divided: 1ÂĽ cups & 3 cups)
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
*See the recipe card below for full instructions and quantities adjusted by servings.
Southern mac and cheese recipe pro tips
- Always include sharp cheddar for its sharp, classic flavor.
- Use good-quality macaroni so the texture holds up after baking.
- Boiling macaroni in a mixture of half water and half milk helps the pasta absorb flavor and gives a smooth, silky finish ideal for layering cheese.
- Choose a shallow baking dish—an 8-inch pan or cast-iron skillet works well so the top gets nicely golden.
What to serve with soul food baked mac and cheese?
This dish pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides: fried chicken, braised cabbage, collard greens, potato salad, and homemade cornbread. Southern mac and cheese can be served as a hearty side or a comforting main, depending on the occasion.
What you’ll learn in this episode
- How two friends hunted for the ultimate soul food baked mac and cheese recipe.
- Key tips for a perfect mac and cheese, including essential seasonings and the role of sharp cheddar.
- A straightforward method for making Southern baked mac and cheese the Black way.
- An overview of James Hemings’ place in the history of baked mac and cheese.
- Context from the Netflix docuseries High On The Hog about the dish’s evolution.
- Suggestions for what to serve alongside mac and cheese.
Southern mac and cheese FAQs
Is mac and cheese popular in the South?
Yes. Southern baked mac and cheese is a cornerstone of many gatherings—Sunday dinners, cookouts, tailgates, and holiday meals—valued for its comfort, flavor, and ability to feed a crowd.
What is the best cheese combination for macaroni and cheese?
Combine sharp cheddar with milder, melty cheeses such as Colby-Jack, American, or mozzarella for a balanced flavor and creamy texture. Always keep cheddar as the backbone of the blend.
Can you substitute pepper Jack cheese?
Yes—pepper Jack adds a spicy kick. Keep some sharp cheddar in the mix to preserve the classic flavor.
Why is this mac and cheese such a comfort food?
Its warm, gooey, cheesy texture is inherently comforting. When made the Black Southern way, soul food seasonings and richness elevate it to a deeply nostalgic, satisfying dish.
Why is Southern baked mac and cheese important to Black culture?
Baked mac and cheese has deep roots in African American culinary history. Early versions—sometimes called macaroni pie—were prepared by James Hemings, an enslaved African American chef trained in France who introduced techniques that shaped this dish’s American form. Over time, mac and cheese became both a celebratory and practical dish: a comfort food, a special-occasion staple, and a way to stretch meals for families.
How do you make Southern baked mac and cheese the Black way?
The hallmark steps are boiling the pasta in milk and water for a silky texture, creating a seasoned roux-based cheese sauce, and baking the assembled macaroni with additional cheese on top until golden and bubbly. Variations may include different milks (whole, evaporated, or condensed), added proteins like crab or lobster, or a dusting of paprika for color and flavor.
Can you make this recipe ahead?
Yes. Assemble the dish, cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, add any final toppings, and bake at 350°F until heated through and bubbly—about 20–25 minutes.
How do you reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently in a low oven or use a covered dish with a splash of milk added to restore creaminess. For Instant Pot or stovetop reheating, use a low setting and stir frequently.
Links & resources mentioned in the episode:
- Black folks’ Southern baked mac and cheese recipe
- Netflix docuseries High On The Hog
- Lobster baked mac and cheese variations
- Side dish ideas for mac and cheese
Would you like more soul food recipes?
Explore The Soul Food Pot recipe index and listen to The Soul Food Pod for more authentic Southern recipes, tips, and stories.
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What do you think of this soul food Southern baked mac and cheese recipe?
Have you tried it? Would you make it? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to get more soul food recipes and stories.
Southern Mac And Cheese
Equipment
- Instant Pot or large pot
- 8″ cast iron skillet or baking dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ÂĽ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup Colby-Jack, shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups water
- 4ÂĽ cups milk (divided)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Instructions
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté (or heat a large pot). Add 3 cups milk, 3 cups water, and 1 tablespoon butter and bring to a simmer.
- Add macaroni and cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and set aside.
- Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the pot and, once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in 1ÂĽ cups milk and the seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, paprika) until smooth. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheeses, reserving some for the topping. Let the mixture meld until smooth.
- Stir cooked pasta and heavy cream into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to an 8-inch skillet or baking dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake at 350°F until golden and bubbly—about 20–25 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Sharp cheddar is essential for character and depth.
- Boiling pasta in milk and water gives a silkier bite and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- To make ahead: assemble, cool, cover, refrigerate, then bake the next day until heated through and bubbly.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 522 kcal | Carbohydrates: 40 g | Protein: 21 g | Fat: 31 g