Description
Few dishes capture the essence of comfort quite like this easy recipe for Homemade John Legend’s Baked Mac and Cheese. It’s a dinner idea that brings bubbling layers of sharp cheddar, creamy Monterey Jack, and savory Parmesan into a golden-topped bake that’s rich, satisfying, and endlessly scoopable. Perfect as a hearty side or easy dinner centerpiece, it’s a food idea that feels homemade, indulgent, and soul-hugging in every bite.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
12 ounces evaporated milk (1 can)
1 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, shred all the cheese. Reserve 1 cup cheddar and 0.5 cup Monterey Jack for topping.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, whole milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Add drained pasta into the custard mixture. Stir in remaining cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. Mix well.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the pasta mixture. Sprinkle reserved cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until bubbling and golden. Broil for 2-3 minutes if a crispier top is desired.
7. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t skip the rest time—this helps the mac and cheese set beautifully.
You can prep it a day ahead and bake right before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, easy recipe, dinner ideas, comfort food, homemade mac and cheese