Name: John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing baking dish; 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk; ⅓ cup skim milk; 2 large eggs; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; 2 (8-ounce) packages extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 1 (8-ounce) package Monterey Jack cheese, grated; 3 cups elbow macaroni; Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Paprika, for sprinkling

If you’ve ever wondered what makes John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe stand out from the crowd, you’re in for a treat. This isn’t your average boxed mac and cheese—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with that extra-sharp cheddar punch that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. I first tried this recipe on a chilly weekend, and honestly, it turned into an instant comfort-food favorite around my house.

What’s special about John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is how it balances richness and flavor without being overly heavy. Plus, it’s the kind of dish that works for both weeknight dinners and when you want to impress guests with a classic that feels a bit more gourmet. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll want to keep it in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully chosen to create a creamy, flavorful sauce that hugs each noodle perfectly. I recommend using good-quality cheese and don’t skimp on the seasoning — trust me, it makes all the difference!

Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level better when seasoning the dish.
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper: These add essential seasoning to both the pasta water and the sauce.
Elbow macaroni: The classic shape for mac and cheese because it holds the sauce so well.
Evaporated milk: I love this ingredient because it makes the sauce ultra-creamy without needing heavy cream.
Skim milk: Just a splash to loosen the sauce slightly without making it too runny.
Large eggs: These help thicken the sauce and give it a richer texture.
Seasoned salt: This seasoning blend is a secret weapon for depth of flavor.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for a subtle savory note that you feel but don’t necessarily notice outright.
Extra-sharp cheddar cheese: This is the star—adds the signature tangy bite and intense cheesy flavor.
Monterey Jack cheese: Smooths out the sharpness with mellow creaminess.
Paprika: A sprinkle on top adds color and a tiny hint of smoky warmth.

Variations

One of the best things about John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’ve tried a few tweaks here and there, and you can totally customize it to fit your mood or dietary needs. Be adventurous!

Spicy kick: I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne or some diced jalapeños to bring a little heat to this otherwise creamy dish—it’s surprisingly addictive!
Gluten-free pasta: For those who avoid gluten, swapping in a quality gluten-free elbow macaroni works fine, just watch your cooking time.
Breadcrumb topping: Adding toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking gives a crunchy contrast that’s heavenly.
Herb infusion: Fresh thyme or parsley sprinkled in or on top freshens things up and adds color, perfect in spring and summer.

How to Make John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Boil and Salt the Pasta Just Right

First things first—get a large pot of water boiling and add a good pinch of coarse salt. Don’t be shy here; it’s your only chance to season the pasta itself. Cook the elbow macaroni until just shy of al dente—remember it will continue cooking a bit in the oven later. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse! Keeping some of that starch helps the sauce cling meaningfully.

Step 2: Mix the Milks and Eggs Carefully

In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, skim milk, and eggs until smooth. This step is crucial because you’re making the creamy base here—whisking prevents lumps and keeps the eggs from scrambling later on. Add the seasoned salt and garlic powder now so the flavors meld early.

Step 3: Stir in the Cheese and Pasta Together

Toss your cooked elbow macaroni in with the grated extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. I like to save a bit of cheese for sprinkling on top later. Pour your milk and egg mixture over the pasta-cheese combo and stir gently but thoroughly. This ensures every piece is coated with that luscious sauce ready to bake into perfection.

Step 4: Butter Up the Dish and Bake

Butter a baking dish thoroughly (I always add a little more butter than the recipe says for that golden crust). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture in, spread evenly, and sprinkle the remaining cheese and paprika on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly and just lightly browned. Keep an eye on it—no one likes burnt edges (unless you do, of course!).

How to Serve John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A square piece of baked macaroni and cheese sits on a white plate, showing its three distinct layers: a creamy pale yellow cheesy bottom layer, a dense middle of soft macaroni pasta in a slightly darker yellow cheese sauce, and a golden-brown, crispy top crust made from baked cheese with a rough texture. A gold fork rests beside the macaroni on the plate, all placed against a white marbled surface with a blurred second plate of the same dish in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and freshness—it really cuts through the creaminess. Sometimes I add a touch of crispy bacon bits for savory crunch, but even just the paprika-dusted crust is enough to make this dish sing.

Side Dishes

John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with simple green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. When I’m feeling indulgent, pulled BBQ pork or crispy fried chicken on the side rounds out the meal perfectly!

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve this mac and cheese in individual ramekins. Not only does it look fancy, but you also get that satisfying crispy top-to-bottom every time. Alternatively, layering it in a shallow casserole dish surrounded by fresh herbs on the table makes it a comforting centerpiece everyone can dig into family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The mac and cheese thickens as it chills, which means you’ll want to loosen it up when reheating. Leftovers keep well for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Just portion into freezer-safe containers, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat—you’ll get almost the same creamy deliciousness as fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven to keep that baked texture. Cover with foil and warm at 325°F for about 20 minutes, uncovering in the last few minutes to crisp the top again. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too; just add a splash of milk and stir halfway through to keep it creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk in John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute regular milk mixed with a bit of heavy cream or full-fat milk to maintain creaminess. However, evaporated milk has a slightly richer texture and helps create that smooth, velvety sauce, so sticking to the recipe will give you the best flavor and consistency.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is naturally vegetarian as it features no meat. Just be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheese, as some brands use animal rennet.
How do I get a crunchy topping on this macaroni and cheese?

You can sprinkle extra cheese and a dusting of paprika on top before baking, or even better, add a layer of buttered breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy golden crust. Toasting the breadcrumbs first in butter amplifies that crunch and buttery flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the macaroni and cheese and refrigerate it for a few hours or overnight before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?

The combination of extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack in John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe achieves a balance of tangy and creamy flavors. You can experiment by adding Gruyère or smoked gouda for different notes, but the original combo is classic and reliable.

Final Thoughts

John Legend’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe has become one of those dishes I come back to when I want comfort food that feels elevated. It’s creamy, cheesy, and hits all the right notes for both family dinners and special occasions. I hope you give it a try—you’ll find it easy to make, satisfying to eat, and even better when shared around the table with good company.