
Sliced macaroni and cheese is a baked casserole version of the classic comfort food, where cooked pasta is combined with a cheese sauce, placed in a baking dish, and cooked until set, allowing it to be sliced into firm portions. Its typical ingredients include elbow macaroni, a blend of cheeses like cheddar, milk, butter, and often a roux-based sauce for creaminess, sometimes topped with breadcrumbs. This preparation is a staple in American home cooking and diners, popular for its make-ahead convenience and satisfying texture.
This dish is typically high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and butter, with a moderate amount of protein from the dairy and pasta. A standard serving can provide calcium and phosphorus, but is calorie-dense, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories per generous slice depending on recipe richness.
| Calories | 500 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 48 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 900 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.0 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 200 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.5 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Selenium | 20 mcg |
| Zinc | 2.5 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, slicing macaroni and cheese transforms a creamy, spoonable dish into a portable, shareable format, making it a favorite for potlucks and packed lunches. Nutritionally, the baking process can create a slightly firmer texture that may help with portion control compared to the looser stovetop version.