Southern-Style Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

If you think you’ve tasted every kind of macaroni and cheese, this version will prove you wrong.
This Southern-inspired casserole has been winning hearts since the 1960s, and it’s still a guaranteed hit at any table. The secret? A rich, creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise, the mild sweetness of pimentos, and the irresistible crunch of buttery Ritz crackers on top. Even those who usually turn their noses up at pimentos will be surprised by how perfectly they work in this dish.

Whether you’re headed to a potluck, family dinner, holiday gathering, or any event where you need a comforting crowd-pleaser, this recipe will always get requests for seconds—and the recipe itself.

Ingredients for Southern-Style Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

• 8 oz (225 g) uncooked elbow macaroni

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (approx. 10.5 oz / 300 g)

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk

• 1 cup (240 g) mayonnaise (not Miracle Whip)

• 3 tablespoons (45 g) butter, melted

• 1 large jar or 2 small jars pimentos, diced, undrained (about 7 oz / 200 g total)

• 3 tablespoons (30 g) onion, finely chopped (or dried onions in a pinch)

• Salt to taste and plenty of black pepper

• 8–16 oz (225–450 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated (use the higher amount if skipping the Ritz topping, reserving half for the top)

• 2 cups (200 g) Ritz cracker crumbs (optional, but adds great texture)

How to Make Southern-Style Creamy Mac and Cheese Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain, and set aside.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup with milk, stirring until smooth.

3. Reserve some grated cheese for topping. Add all remaining ingredients—except the Ritz crackers, cooked macaroni, and reserved cheese—into the bowl and mix well by hand.

4. Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture.

5. Stir lightly until all pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

6. Transfer the mixture into a 9 x 13 inch (23 x 33 cm) casserole dish.

7. Sprinkle the reserved cheese evenly over the top.

8. If using Ritz cracker crumbs, sprinkle them on top of the cheese layer for extra crunch.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and golden on top.

Comfort Food That Wins Every Time

This creamy mac and cheese casserole isn’t just a side dish—it’s the one everyone talks about after the meal. The rich, savory sauce, the subtle sweetness of pimentos, and the crispy topping make it an unforgettable combination. Whether you serve it for Sunday supper or bring it to a gathering, be prepared for empty plates and plenty of compliments.