John Legend's Easy, Cheesy, Extra Creamy Mac & Cheese Is the Perfect Thanksgiving Side Dish
John Legend, widely known for his amazing music, is also known for his love of cooking. Over the years, he's shared some of his favorite recipes with fans, showcasing his passion for food. He often cooks at home and is particularly fond of comfort food and dishes that remind him of family traditions. Often collaborating with his wife, Chrissy Teigen, the two regularly create and share hearty, flavorful meals.
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One of Legend’s most popular recipes is his famous fried chicken, which has been featured in cooking segments and social media posts. This dish, known for its perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior and juicy meat, reflects his appreciation for classic comfort food with a personal twist. But the recipe that really has fans talking as of late is his mac and cheese, Rich and cheesy, it's the ultimate side dish for family gatherings, including Thanksgiving.
As soon as I saw the recipe I knew I had to give it a try. I ran to the store to grab what I needed and jumped in the kitchen to see if this would be a dish worthy of my holiday dinner table.
Get the recipe: John Legend's Mac and Cheese
Ingredients for John Legend's Mac and Cheese
To make John Legend's mac and cheese, you'll need elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, skim milk, butter, large eggs, seasoned salt, garlic powder, extra-sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, paprika, coarse salt and freshly ground pepper.
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How to Make John Legend's Mac and Cheese
To make this dish, start by preheating the oven to 375° and generously buttering a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Add the butter, tossing until the pasta is well-coated and the butter has melted.
In a medium bowl, whisk the evaporated milk, skim milk and eggs until well blended. Season the mixture with seasoned salt, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Combine the cheeses in another bowl.
To assemble, layer 1/3 of the macaroni in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, followed by 1/3 of the cheese mixture. Repeat this process with the remaining macaroni and cheese mixture. Pour the milk mixture evenly over the dish and sprinkle with paprika. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. Let the dish stand for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
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What I Thought About John Legend's Mac and Cheese
John Legend’s macaroni and cheese recipe is a standout dish that’s perfect for any holiday spread. The instructions are straightforward, making the process smooth and stress-free. With just a handful of steps, you can create a next-level mac and cheese that everyone will love.
The highlight of this recipe is the incredible cheesiness. Using a combination of extra-sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses ensures that every bite is packed with bold, creamy flavor. The addition of evaporated milk and a touch of seasoning elevates adds extra creaminess and tons of flavor. The sprinkling of paprika on top not only adds a pop of color but also brings a subtle hint of spice that ties everything together.
This macaroni and cheese is the epitome of comfort food and is ideal for the holidays. It pairs well with turkey, ham, vegetables and all the other sides of the season. This is the kind of recipe that will have people asking for the recipe or, better yet, asking you to make it for them over and over again.
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