John Legend's Macaroni and Cheese

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Musician John Legend shared this delicious, creamy casserole with Martha Stewart.

Macaroni and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods. This favorite recipe can be an entrée or a side and is a staple at all kinds of holidays and gatherings from Thanksgiving to July 4th to Wednesday night dinner.

If you're in the camp that believes baked iterations beat stovetop ones, then this is the macaroni and cheese recipe is for you. Layers of macaroni and two kinds of cheese—extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack—are combined with a mixture of evaporated milk and seasoning, and baked. A sprinkle of paprika and a final layer of cheese give it a gorgeous, golden color.

John Legend's Mac and Cheese - slice on a plate

Andrea Araiza

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish

  • Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni

  • 2 (12-ounce) cans evaporated milk

  • 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

  • Paprika, for sprinkling

Directions

John Legend's Mac and Cheese - ingredients in bowl

Andrea Araiza

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Generously butter a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish; set aside. Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt and macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package directions.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese - macaroni in pot

    Andrea Araiza

  2. Drain, and return to pot. Add butter, and toss until pasta is coated and butter has melted; set aside.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese - butter and macaroni

    Andrea Araiza

  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, skim milk, and eggs. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper; set aside. In another medium bowl, combine cheeses; set aside.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese - mixture

    Andrea Araiza

  4. Place 1/3 macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish; cover evenly with 1/3 cheese. Repeat with remaining macaroni and cheese mixture.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese - grated cheese

    Andrea Araiza

  5. Pour milk mixture evenly over contents of baking dish. Sprinkle with paprika.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese - in dish

    Andrea Araiza

  6. Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 35 to 45 minutes. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

    John Legend's Mac and Cheese

    Andrea Araiza

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