Brenda Gantt Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Brenda Gantt has become one of the most loved names in Southern home cooking.

She shares simple, home-style recipes that remind folks of dinners at home and old-fashioned cooking.

Her warm, easy style has pushed many home cooks to make their favorite comfort foods again, and her mac and cheese is one of the most requested.

After watching Brenda’s cooking style and learning what makes her recipe so good, I made this copycat Brenda Gantt Macaroni & Cheese Recipe.

It gives you the same creamy, cheesy, baked Southern flavor using simple ingredients from your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I have made this macaroni and cheese many times, and it always comes out rich, creamy, and full of homemade Southern flavor.

It uses simple ingredients, comes together without any hard steps, and fits everything from weeknight dinners to holiday tables.

1. Cheesy and Creamy – Cream cheese, butter, and sharp cheddar create a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
2. Classic Southern Flavor – Fresh cheddar and simple ingredients bring the homemade taste found in traditional Southern macaroni and cheese.
3. Easy Ingredients – Everything comes from easy-to-find ingredients that are available in most grocery stores.
4. Beginner-Friendly – Simple steps and basic ingredients make this recipe easy to prepare, even for first-time home cooks.

Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Macaroni & Cheese

• Small Elbow Macaroni (12 oz, dry) – Small elbow macaroni is ideal because its curved shape catches plenty of cheese sauce in every bite. Cook it until just tender, as it will continue to soften slightly after mixing with the hot sauce. Small shell pasta works just as well as a substitute.

• Salt (1 tablespoon) – Adding salt to the boiling water seasons the pasta from the inside, giving the finished dish better flavor. Table salt or fine sea salt are both suitable choices. When using kosher salt, increase the amount to about 1½ tablespoons since its flakes are larger.

• Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – For an extra-smooth sauce, let the cream cheese soften before mixing it into the hot pasta. It melts quickly and creates a silky texture that blends easily with the cheddar. Neufchâtel cheese can be used instead for a slightly lighter option.

• Salted Butter (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) – Softened butter melts easily into the warm pasta, adding richness while helping the cheeses combine smoothly. Unsalted butter works equally well—simply add about ¼ teaspoon of salt to maintain the same flavor balance.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, freshly grated) – Freshly grated sharp cheddar delivers the classic cheesy flavor and melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties. For a milder taste, try using 2 cups of sharp cheddar with 1 cup of Monterey Jack.

• Whole Milk (1–2 cups) – Start with 1 cup of whole milk, then gradually pour in more until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Whole milk creates the creamiest texture, while 2% milk makes a lighter version. Half-and-half is another excellent choice for an even smoother, more indulgent sauce.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1. Large pot – for boiling pasta
2. Colander – drains pasta well
3. Cheese grater – fresh shredded cheese
4. Mixing bowl – softening butter mix
5. Wooden spoon – gentle stirring
6. Small casserole dish – for baking
7. Aluminum foil – covers dish warmly

How to Make Brenda Gantt Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1 | Boil the pasta

Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and about 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir once, then turn the heat down and let it cook until tender but not mushy.

Step 2 | Drain well

Pour the pasta into a colander and shake it well to remove any extra water. Return the drained pasta to the same hot pot it cooked in.

Step 3 | Soften the butter and cream cheese

Warm 8 ounces of cream cheese and 1 stick of salted butter in the microwave for a few seconds, just until softened. Mix the butter into the cream cheese until combined.

Step 4 | Combine with the pasta

Add the cream cheese and butter mixture to the hot, steaming pasta. Stir gently until the noodles are evenly coated.

Step 5 | Add the cheese

Grate 3 cups of sharp cheddar cheese. Add it to the pasta a little at a time, stirring gently so it melts evenly.

Step 6 | Add the milk slowly

Pour in 1 cup of whole milk over low heat. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Add up to 1 more cup of milk as needed to reach your preferred consistency.

Step 7 | Keep the heat low

Keep the stove on low heat the entire time to prevent the cheese from sticking or scorching. Stir often to maintain a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 8 | Transfer and top

Pour the finished macaroni and cheese into a small casserole dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9 | Warm in the oven & Ready To Serve

Cover the casserole dish with foil and place it in a low-temperature oven until the topping melts and the macaroni and cheese is hot, creamy, and ready to serve.

Crock-Pot® / Slow Cooker Version

You can also make this dish in a slow cooker for easy holiday cooking. Cook the elbow macaroni on the stove first, then drain well.

Add the cooked pasta, 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 stick softened butter, 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar, and 1 1/2 cups whole milk into the slow cooker.

Stir gently to combine. Set the slow cooker on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring every 20 minutes so the cheese melts smoothly and does not stick to the sides.

Expert Tips for Perfect Southern Mac and Cheese

• Use Room-Temperature Dairy – Let the cream cheese and butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. They melt faster and blend into a smoother, creamier sauce.
• Stir with a Wooden Spoon – A wooden spoon gently mixes the pasta without breaking it. It also helps keep the cheese sauce smooth while it melts.
• Use a Heavy-Bottomed Pot – A heavy pot spreads heat more evenly and helps keep the cheese from sticking or scorching on the bottom.
• Taste Before Adding More Salt – Sharp cheddar and salted butter already contain salt. Taste the macaroni first, then add only a small pinch if needed.
• Avoid High Heat – High heat can separate the cheese and make the sauce grainy. Slow, gentle heat keeps the sauce creamy from start to finish.

What to Serve with Brenda Gantt Macaroni and Cheese

This creamy Southern macaroni and cheese pairs well with many classic comfort foods. Add one or two simple side dishes to create a balanced meal.

1. Meatloaf – Homemade meatloaf and creamy macaroni and cheese are a timeless comfort food combination. The tender beef, well-seasoned flavors, and creamy cheese sauce come together for a simple meal that everyone loves.
2. Collard Greens – Slow-cooked collard greens add a fresh, delicious flavor that helps balance the creaminess of the cheese sauce. This classic Southern vegetable side adds color, texture, and a homemade touch to the plate.
3. Green Beans – Seasoned green beans add a light, fresh bite that pairs well with the creamy macaroni. They help balance the creaminess of the dish while adding another classic Southern side to the meal.
4. Buttermilk Cornbread – Warm buttermilk cornbread is perfect for serving with creamy macaroni and cheese. Its soft texture and buttery flavor complement the creamy cheese sauce and help complete a traditional Southern comfort food dinner.
5. Barbecue Pulled Pork – Tender pulled pork adds a smoky, slow-cooked flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy macaroni. The barbecue sauce and cheesy pasta create a classic Southern meal that is filling and satisfying.

Storage, Freezing and Reheating Tips

This macaroni and cheese stores well, making it perfect for enjoying later. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. For the best texture, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Before reheating, stir in a splash of milk to help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency, regardless of the method you choose.

• Oven: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through to heat it evenly.
• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until hot and smooth.

Brenda Gantt Macaroni & Cheese Recipe FAQs

1. Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

Grainy sauce usually happens when the heat is too high or the cheese is pre-shredded. Bagged cheese has a coating that stops smooth melting. Always grate your own cheese block and keep the stove on low heat while stirring slowly and steadily until fully melted.

2. Can I add breadcrumbs on top?

Yes, a light layer of buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking adds a nice crunchy texture. This is optional and not part of the traditional Southern style, but many home cooks enjoy the added crispy contrast to the creamy pasta.

3. Why does my recipe turn out too thick?

This usually means not enough milk was added. Simply warm the dish on low heat and stir in small amounts of milk until the sauce loosens back up to the creamy texture you want for serving.

4. Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Low-fat ingredients will change the texture and flavor. Full-fat cream cheese and whole milk give the best results. If you need to cut fat, use 2% milk instead of whole. Do not use low-fat cream cheese. The sauce may become thin and less creamy.

5. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?

Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Cook it according to the package directions. Gluten-free pasta can get mushy faster, so watch it closely. Drain it very well before adding to the cheese mixture. The sauce will still be creamy and delicious. Use the same amount of pasta as the original recipe calls for.

This copycat Brenda Gantt Macaroni & Cheese Recipe gives you that creamy Southern comfort at home. The simple steps and easy ingredients make it a go-to dish. Feel free to change the cheese blend or add your favorite toppings.

Try this recipe today and taste real Southern comfort.