Tasty John Legend’s Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This baked mac and cheese inspired by John Legend is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic with a rich custard base. With a golden, smoky paprika topping and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, it’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 3 cups elbow pasta noodles (about 12 oz dried)
• Paprika, for topping (smoked paprika adds extra depth)
• 2 packages (8 oz each) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 package (8 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• Coarse salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/3 cup low-fat milk

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. This prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook for one minute less than package instructions. Drain and toss the pasta with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, low-fat milk, room temperature eggs, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. In another bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
4. Step 4: Spread half of the buttered pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the cheese blend over the pasta. Layer the remaining pasta and cheese on top. Pour the custard mixture evenly over the dish and sprinkle smoked paprika on top.
5. Step 5: Bake uncovered for 35-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the custard is set but still creamy in the center. To prevent over-browning, cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the custard set and makes serving easier while keeping the dish creamy.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for creamier texture and better melt.
• Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the custard, preventing lumps.
• Try smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the topping.
• You can add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for extra flavor layers.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini. Just ensure they are cooked al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute with whole milk mixed with a bit of cream to mimic the richness of evaporated milk, but the texture may be slightly less creamy.

Tasty John Legend’s Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

John Legend’s Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and indulgent casserole featuring perfectly cooked elbow pasta layered with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Baked in a seasoned custard sauce infused with garlic and spices, and topped with smoked paprika for a beautiful golden crust, this dish is a comforting classic elevated with quality ingredients and simple techniques.

• Author: Rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 3 cups elbow pasta noodles (about 12 oz dried)
• Paprika, for topping (smoked paprika preferred)
• 2 packages (8 oz each) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 package (8 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

For the Custard:

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• Coarse salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cans (12 oz each) evaporated milk
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1/3 cup low-fat milk

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure even browning and prevent sticking. Using a rich butter like Kerrygold enhances flavor.
2. Cook the Pasta Until Just Tender: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add elbow pasta. Cook for one minute less than package instructions so the pasta finishes cooking in the oven. Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Create the Custard Sauce and Prepare Cheese Blend: In a bowl, whisk evaporated milk, low-fat milk, room temperature eggs, seasoned salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth. In another bowl, toss together the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
4. Layer Pasta, Cheese, and Custard in Baking Dish: Spread half the buttered pasta in the baking dish. Sprinkle half the cheese blend over it. Add remaining pasta and cheese layers. Pour custard sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle smoked paprika generously for color and depth.
5. Bake Until Golden and Set: Bake in the preheated 375°F oven for 35-45 minutes until the top is deeply golden and the custard is set but still creamy in the center. Optionally, cover loosely with foil for the first 20 minutes to prevent premature browning.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the custard to set further, making it easier to scoop while retaining creamy texture and melding flavors.

Notes

• Using freshly shredded cheese prevents clumping and yields a creamier melting texture.
• Cooking the pasta slightly under al dente ensures it does not become mushy after baking.
• Room temperature eggs help create a smooth custard without lumps.
• Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth and enhances color on top.
• Resting the dish after baking allows the custard filling to firm up for easier serving.
• You can loosely cover the casserole with foil during baking to avoid over-browning.

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, John Legend recipe, cheesy casserole, comfort food, baked pasta, sharp cheddar mac and cheese