Creating Southern Baked Mac and Cheese can be straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
6. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and smooth.
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix until the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
9. Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
10. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11. Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

These steps will guide you in creating this incredible Southern Baked Mac and Cheese effortlessly!