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
Betsy Jibben with Ag Market Consulting takes us behind the scenes on report day with AgMarket.net.
Tennessee FarmHER Bridget Bryant’s porch garden evolves into a sprawling community outreach project that provides fresh produce to those in need and teaches urban kids how to grow their own food.
“We’re living in a moment of massive change—in agriculture, in media, and in leadership . . .”

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
The Surface Transportation Board rejects the proposed Norfolk Southern–Union Pacific merger, prompting concerns from agricultural shippers about rail consolidation, service reliability, and higher transportation costs.
Midland County Livestock Association President Brandon Mitchell reflects on another strong year for the event, including a premium sale that once again topped the million-dollar mark.
The Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas features a competitive steer showcase highlighting top-quality cattle and the accomplishments of driven youth exhibitors.