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Oh, now you already know! We’re not just talking about any ol’ mac and cheese recipe here. We’re talking Black folks’ mac and cheese. Baked, never boxed, and always loaded with soulful seasonings. This is that creamy, cheesy, soul-hugging masterpiece that gets baked until it’s bubbling around the edges and golden on top.

Black Folks Soul Food Baked Macaroni And Cheese

It’s the kind of dish so legendary, it shows up to the family cookout in its own dedicated foil pan, and you better not touch it until grace has been said or the elders have been served!
Now, let’s get into the soul of this recipe…

What is Black folks’ mac and cheese?

The Black history of mac and cheese runs deep, rooted in soul food, rich in flavor, and celebrated as a timeless staple of comfort and culture. Known initially as macaroni pie, mac and cheese was created by James Hemings, an African American enslaved person trained as a culinary chef. So, from the very beginning, this dish has been baked, blessed, and downright chef-kissed!

Black folks’ mac and cheese is often made with a medley of cheeses. Sharp cheddar lays down that bold, tangy foundation, while Colby Jack brings the stretch and creamy goodness that pulls you back for seconds.

And of course, it’s seasoned with soul: salt, black pepper, a hint of garlic and onion powder, and a touch of paprika for warmth and color. I even drop a little mustard powder into the mix for that subtle kick you didn’t even know you needed, but now can’t live without. (You’re welcome!)

Ingredients

The ingredients are the heart of this classic soul food recipe for Black folks’ mac and cheese. The magic lies in the perfect harmony of seasonings, macaroni, and cheese, each one playing its part. As the heavy cream and cheeses melt and mingle with the pasta, a rich, comforting masterpiece comes together. Every bite wraps you up like a warm embrace that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of soul.

Measurements for the recipe can be found in the printable recipe card below.

Water – Offers the necessary liquidity, ensuring the pasta cooks to just the right texture.
Milk – Coats the macaroni while boiling and gives it a smooth, silky texture, perfect for layering on cheese. Whole milk is the best option for this baked mac and cheese recipe as it’s the creamiest, but you can use other milk substitutes without issue.
Butter, flour, and milk – Combined, these ingredients create a roux for the base that thickens the dish.
Heavy cream – The necessary thickener and liquidity to create a homemade cheese sauce when combined with the shredded cheese.
Sharp cheddar and Colby-Jack cheese – First things first, soul food mac and cheese must include sharp cheddar cheese. The cheese is the backbone of this comfort dish, adding depth and creaminess, making it rich and flavorful.
Macaroni noodles – These are the sturdy vessels for the cheese blend.
Salt and black pepper – Lay the seasoning groundwork, enhancing the natural flavors of the cheese blend.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Introduce a subtle, flavorful depth, a nod to the complexity of soul food.
Ground mustard powder – Adds a tangy kick, which cuts through the richness.
Paprika – This seasoning brings a gentle, flavorful warmth to the dish.

How to make Black people mac and cheese

Preparing Black people’s mac and cheese is not just about the cheese. It’s also about the soulful seasonings and the custard base, made with flour and milk, giving the dish that signature rich, firm-yet-creamy texture. The kind you can slice into neat squares, but that still melts in your mouth like butter on a hot biscuit!

Step-by-step instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below, but here’s a quick overview.

In a large pot, bring to a boil the milk, water, butter, and macaroni.
Create the flavorful roux by whisking together flour, milk, and the soul food seasonings.
Stir in the cheese to create the creamy sauce, then add the cooked macaroni and heavy cream.
Bake until golden and bubbly, serve immediately, and enjoy!

🎙Listen to the recipe on the Soul Food Pod episode: Southern Mac And Cheese

How to thicken macaroni and cheese

After cooking the pasta and melting the butter in the pot, whisk in the flour, milk, and seasonings until the mixture is smooth. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flour to work its magic and thicken the sauce.

Thanks to the milk’s higher fat content compared to water, the result is a rich, velvety mixture known as a roux, the secret to that creamy, luscious texture we love in every bite!

Make-ahead tips

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe a day in advance, perfect for planning ahead! Here are a few tips for prepping it early:

Cook the macaroni and cheese, then transfer it to a baking dish once it has cooled completely.
But don’t bake it yet! Instead, place the dish in an airtight container or tightly seal and refrigerate.
When you’re ready to bake, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to take the chill off.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 20–25 minutes, or until it’s hot, bubbly, and those edges are beautifully caramelized and golden brown!