Paula Deen’s Southern Baked Mac-and-Cheese

A Southern mac and cheese recipe that cuts like a casserole? Yes, please!

———

the-lady-and-sons-baked-mac-and-cheese_paula-deen_hero_1080x1350.jpg

The Lady and Son’s Southern Baked Mac-and-Cheese

The Lady and Son’s Southern Baked Mac-and-Cheese

A Southern mac and cheese recipe that cuts like a casserole? Yes, please! Cooked elbow pasta, cheddar, butter, and a few more ingredients are baked to a golden crisp in a casserole dish.

Extra cheese is optional, but your family will thank you for it!

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. of elbow macaroni noodles (one box)
  • 1 Tbsp salt
  • 1 lb. of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3 Tbsp. of butter
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 4 oz. of cream cheese, softened
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • For Serving:
  • Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Boil three quarts of water in a large pot, and cook a one-pound box of elbow macaroni noodles with one tablespoon of salt until slightly overcooked. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Cut four ounces of sharp cheddar cheese into 1/2-inch cubes, and grate the remaining 12 ounces. Set aside.
  3. Drain the pasta in a strainer and pour it into a large mixing bowl. Stir in the four ounces of cubed cheddar cheese.
  4. Add the sour cream, butter, evaporated milk, and cream cheese. Stir well, and set aside to cool. In a separate dish, beat the three eggs.
  5. Once the pasta mixture has cooled a little, taste the sauce for seasoning before stirring in the beaten eggs.
  6. Generously coat a 9x13 baking dish with a non-stick spray or butter.
  7. Pour half the pasta mixture into your dish, top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and then pour in the rest.
  8. Bake the macaroni and cheese in a 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes. Remove the dish from the oven, and stir the mixture carefully to ensure the cheese is well distributed.
  9. Top with additional shredded cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper if desired. Return to the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese on top melts and begins to brown in spots.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving.

———

Watch “Positively Paula” Mondays at 5:30 PM ET only on RFD-TV! You can also stream any episode anytime with a subscription to RFD-TV Now.

Related Stories
Global agriculture is stabilizing after years of price swings, with flat to modestly rising returns expected as productivity offsets slower demand growth.
Tara Vander Dussen, fifth-generation dairy farmer, environmental scientist, and co-host of Discover Ag, joined RFD-TV to talk about her work in agriculture and her passion for sharing the story of dairy.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold, President of the University of Nebraska, joined RFD-TV to discuss how seasonal stress and mental health concerns can make it more challenging to get a restful night’s sleep
Prepare for softer milk checks into winter, watch cull-cow values and timing, and stress-test cash flow as product prices recalibrate.
Expect incremental near-term lift for feed grains, proteins, and ethanol as tariff cuts and smoother approvals translate into real orders.
Tune in on Wednesday, November 5, 2025
7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Dr. Kelly Bruns from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture discusses how the college prepares students for careers in agriculture.
Bankruptcy filings reflect prolonged margin pressure, rising debt, and limited financial flexibility across farm country. Bigger operating loans are helping farms manage costs, but they also signal growing reliance on borrowed capital.
USDA’s February WASDE report, analysts expect minimal price movement as grain stocks remain steady. Traders weigh renewed Chinese soybean purchases, South American weather, acreage shifts, and upcoming USMCA trade talks.
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.
Corey Owens of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association shares updates about this year’s event and its continued impact on youth, agriculture, and the San Angelo community.