Nanny’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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My grandmother who lived in Atlanta, Nanny, made the best baked macaroni and cheese. It wasn’t anything fancy. It is a very simple recipe that uses basic ingredients. It’s so yummy because it’s homemade.

We had Sunday dinners at Nanny’s house on a regular basis and she often made mac and cheese. The term Sunday dinner can be misleading because it was served at lunch time. In the South when someone is talking about a big meal they often call it dinner regardless of the time it is served. In the early 1900 when my grandmother was raised the main meal of the day would be served midday so farmers had the energy they needed for the afternoon work. A larger meal would be served at lunchtime and it would be called dinner. Then in the evening they would have a lighter supper. It’s still fairly common in the South when someone is talking about a big holiday meal to call it dinner but they might mean a meal at one or two in the afternoon.

This Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is very simple and budget friendly. Many of the recipes my grandmother made were like this because she grew up in a generation where you didn’t have much and you didn’t waste what you had. Sometimes simple meals like this are the best.

Looking for more to fill your plate? Check out this collection of 20+ Vegetarian Southern Side Dishes for the perfect pairing.

What’s Special About Baked Macaroni And Cheese?

Homemade baked mac and cheese is so much better than the packaged stuff from the box. It’s just as easy and cheap to make. When it comes out of the oven it is a sight to be seen! The top of the casserole is bubbling with delicious golden browned cheese. The middle of the casserole is gooey and cheesy but the edges are crisp and firm.

To make baked macaroni and cheese you first have to boil your macaroni noodles. Then you mix the cooked noodles with shredded cheese in your baking dish. In a mixing bowl you whisk together milk, egg, and a little seasoning. That mixture gets poured over the noodles in the casserole dish. Then it’s ready to bake. So easy and simple!

What To Serve With Mac & Cheese?

This baked macaroni and cheese will be the star of your dinner table! It can be served with any number of veggie sides. At traditional Southern restaurants you often see “meat and three” or veggie plate where you pick three or four vegtable sides on the menu. Macaroni and cheese is a bit of an anomaly it’s considered a vegtable side. So when I serve mac and cheese at home I often follow that formula and serve it with two or three sides like green beans, mashed potatoes, and okra. A homemade veggie plate doesn’t have to be complicated just serve the sides you love the most.

Here are a few recipe ideas to serve with Mac & Cheese:

• Southern Green Beans In Slow Cooker
• Broccoli Quinoa Casserole
• Meatless Southern Collard Greens In Slow Cooker
• Vegan Southern Butter Beans
• Cornbread Stuffing

Planning a get-together? This mac and cheese is a crowd favorite! Check out my full guide to Vegetarian Southern Potluck Dishes for more easy, transportable recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you add an egg to the milk mixture? Adding an egg creates a light, custard-like binder. This is the hallmark of traditional Southern baked macaroni and cheese. It helps the casserole hold its shape when sliced.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While you can, I highly recommend shredding your own block of sharp cheddar. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping, which can keep the cheese from melting as smoothly as a fresh block.

What is the best way to prevent the mac and cheese from drying out? The key is not to over-boil your macaroni. Since the pasta will continue to cook and soak up the milk in the oven, boil it until it is just al dente (slightly firm). Also, ensure you don’t overbake; the center should be set but still have a little “jiggle” when you pull it out.

Can this be made vegan? If you are looking for a Dairy Free and Egg Free vegan macaroni and cheese try our recipe for Vegan Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese.