Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe videos

Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a beloved comfort food consisting of elbow macaroni pasta baked in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, often topped with a crispy breadcrumb or extra cheese layer. Its core ingredients typically include pasta, a roux-based sauce (butter and flour), milk, and a blend of cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère. While its exact origins are debated, it is a staple of American cuisine, with roots in both European and African American culinary traditions.

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🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This dish is high in carbohydrates and fat, providing a significant amount of energy, with a rough calorie ballpark of 400-600 calories per serving. It is a good source of calcium and protein from the cheese and milk, but its nutritional profile is often dominated by its rich, indulgent components.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	530 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	48 g
Fat	27 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	980 mg
Calcium	350 mg
Phosphorus	300 mg
Vitamin A	250 mcg RAE
Vitamin B12	1.5 mcg
Riboflavin (B2)	0.4 mg
Selenium	30 mcg
Zinc	3 mg
Cholesterol	75 mg

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

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, baked mac and cheese is a quintessential comfort food in the United States, often associated with family gatherings, holidays, and soul food traditions. Nutritionally, its unique appeal lies in the satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, making it a highly palatable and emotionally comforting dish despite its richness.