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Indulgent Creamy Homemade John Legend's Baked Mac and Cheese

Experience the warmth and comfort of this creamy homemade John Legend's baked mac and cheese, a crowd-pleaser for all occasions.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Cooling Time5 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked, Comfort Food, creamy, Homemade, John Legend, mac and cheese
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Baking Dish
  • Whisk
  • mixing bowl

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni You can swap for any small pasta if desired.

For the Creamy Sauce

  • 2 cups Whole Milk Use half-and-half for a richer texture.
  • 1 can Evaporated Milk Regular milk can work in a pinch.
  • 2 large Eggs Essential for binding and flavor.

For the Cheesy Goodness

  • 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese Mix in Gruyère or Monterey Jack for variety.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese Freshly shredded melts better.

For the Topping

  • 1 tablespoon Butter Can use olive oil for a lighter option.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper Use fresh cracked for added depth.

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Boil salted water in a large pot, then cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, around 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, and eggs in a large bowl. Sprinkle in salt and pepper, mixing until well combined and smooth.
  • Fold in the cooked macaroni and 3/4 of the shredded cheese, ensuring every piece is coated in that luscious creamy sauce.
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheese and a few dots of butter.
  • Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
  • Cool for 5 minutes before serving to enhance the texture and flavor.

Notes

Optional: Sprinkle with fresh herbs or a dash of paprika for extra flavor.