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Tasty John Legend’s Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/tasty-john-legends-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/