Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food consisting of elbow macaroni pasta mixed with a rich cheese sauce, often topped with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. Originating in the United States, it typically features ingredients like cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and flour for the sauce, with variations including breadcrumbs, spices, or additional cheeses for added flavor and texture.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fats from the cheese and butter, with moderate protein from the dairy and pasta. A typical serving (about 1 cup) provides around 400-500 calories, along with key nutrients like calcium from the cheese, some B vitamins from the pasta, and small amounts of fiber if whole-grain pasta is used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	520 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	26 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	850 mg
Calcium	350 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Vitamin A	300 mcg RAE
Vitamin B12	1.2 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.3 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Zinc	3 mg
Potassium	250 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, baked macaroni and cheese is a staple in American cuisine, often associated with home cooking, family meals, and holidays, reflecting its role as a comforting and versatile dish. Nutritionally, it's unique for its combination of energy-dense carbs and fats, making it a hearty option, though it can be adapted with healthier ingredients like whole-grain pasta or reduced-fat cheese to boost fiber and reduce calories.