Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch
Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch features tender elbows coated in a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and ultra-comforting. A buttery breadcrumb crust bakes to a golden crunch, adding texture to every bite. Serve it for cozy weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holidays when you want a nostalgic side that can easily stand in as the main event.
- Prep10 mins
- Cook45 mins
- Serves4
- DifficultyEasy
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 49 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 0 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityFair
- 46 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Processed Culinary Ingredients
- 2 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 10
- Heart Health
- 56
- Metabolic
- 21
- Digestive
- 20
- Inflammatory
- 29
- Performance
- 29
- General Wellness
- 1
Gather all the ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
- 2
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- 3
Meanwhile, melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium skillet over low heat; whisk in the flour until the mixture becomes paste-like and light golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes.
- 4
Gradually whisk in 2 1/2 cups milk; bring to a simmer.
- 5
Stir in the Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses; season with salt and black pepper. Cook and stir over low heat until the cheeses are melted and the sauce has thickened, 3 to 5 minutes, adding up to 1/2 cup more milk if needed.
- 6
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni; stir until well combined.
- 7
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the bread crumbs; cook and stir until well coated and browned.
- 8
Spread the bread crumbs over the macaroni and cheese; sprinkle with paprika.
- 9
Bake in the preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is gooey and bubbling, about 30 minutes.
- Calories 712.6 kcal High 36%
- Protein 28.85 g Good Source 58%
- Carbohydrate 69.97 g 25%
- Total Fat 35.96 g High 46%
- Saturated Fat 22.22 g High 111%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 104.68 mg High 35%
- Sodium 739.87 mg High 32%
- Dietary Fiber 2.28 g Low Source 8%
- Total Sugars 8.51 g --
- Added Sugars 0.52 g Low Source 1%
- Calcium 591.72 mg Good Source 46%
- Iron 2.92 mg Moderate 16%
- Potassium 286.97 mg Low Source 6%
- Vitamin A 57.87 mcg Low Source 6%
- Vitamin C 0.0 mg Low Source 0%
- Vitamin D 1.82 mcg Low Source 9%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
About This Recipe
Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch is made with 9 ingredients and serves 4. It takes about 55 mins and is rated easy. Key ingredients include All Purpose Flour, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, and Macaroni. Each serving provides about 712.6 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch made of?
- The main ingredients are All-Purpose Flour, Bread Crumbs, Grated Parmesan Cheese, Macaroni, Paprika. The full list of 9 is above.
- How long does it take to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch?
- About 55 mins in total: 10 mins to prepare and 45 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 712.6 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch easy to make?
- This recipe is rated easy, with 9 ingredients and 9 steps.
- Is Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch healthy?
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese from Scratch has an easyChef Pro health score of 33/100. Per serving, it provides 712.6 calories and 28.85 g of protein, or 58% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of calcium. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 739.87 mg (32% of the Daily Value) and saturated fat at 22.22 g (111% of the Daily Value). It contains Milk, Wheat and Gluten, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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