Baked Mac & Cheese
Baked Mac & Cheese! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 520 calories per serving. Recipe by Eatwitzo on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $11.24 total, $2.81 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Macaroni Noodles (elbow shape preferred, uncooked)
- 2 cans Evaporated Milk (12 fl oz each, full‑fat for richness)
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Adobo Seasoning
- to taste Salt (for pasta water and seasoning)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, add a generous pinch of salt, then add the macaroni noodles. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Time: PT12M
Grate the Cheeses
While the pasta cooks, grate the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses using a fine grater. Set the shredded cheese aside in a bowl.
Time: PT5M
Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
In a medium saucepan, pour in the two cans of evaporated milk. Add the adobo seasoning, ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat over low heat, stirring gently.
Time: PT5M
Thicken the Sauce with Cheese
Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella to the warm milk, stirring constantly. Continue cooking on low until the mixture thickens into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
Time: PT5M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the cooked macaroni in the colander and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles, then toss gently until every piece is fully coated.
Time: PT5M
Add a Final Milk Touch
Drizzle a small splash (about 2‑3 Tbsp) of extra evaporated milk over the top of the assembled dish for extra creaminess before baking.
Time: PT1M
Bake Until Golden
Place the baking dish in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F and bake for 20‑25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 520
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 25 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Macaroni Noodles: corkscrew pasta, small shells
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: whole milk + butter, half‑and‑half
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Colby cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Fontina
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika
- Instead of Adobo Seasoning: garlic powder + oregano
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Grater
- Saucepot
- Baking Dish
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Oven
- Timer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta to al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking.
- Grating cheese fresh ensures a smooth melt and richer flavor.
- Thickening the cheese sauce on low heat avoids scorching and yields a velvety texture.
- Coating every noodle evenly with sauce is essential for flavor balance.
- Baking until golden brown creates a desirable crust while keeping the interior creamy.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for depth of flavor and melt.
- Add a pinch of mustard powder to the sauce for subtle tang.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin and runs off the noodles.
Return the sauce to low heat and add a handful more shredded cheese, stirring until it thickens.
Top is not browning enough.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 5 minutes or switch to broil briefly.
Noodles are mushy after baking.
Cook the pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes short of package instructions) and avoid over‑mixing before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool completely, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion into airtight containers; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in oven, adding a splash of milk.
Room temperature: Not recommended; dairy will spoil.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the pasta and sauce, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- If making ahead, reduce the bake time by 5 minutes; add a few extra minutes if baking from frozen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of baked mac and cheese in American Thanksgiving celebrations?
Macaroni and cheese became a staple comfort food in the United States during the 19th century and was later adopted as a hearty side for Thanksgiving because it pairs well with turkey and offers a creamy, kid‑friendly option.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a breadcrumb topping and uses sharp cheddar, while in the Northeast a smoother, béchamel‑based sauce with Gruyère is common. This recipe blends the Southern richness with a simple baked finish.
How is baked mac and cheese traditionally served in American Thanksgiving meals?
It is typically served hot from the oven in a casserole dish, placed alongside mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and turkey, allowing guests to scoop a cheesy portion onto their plates.
What occasions besides Thanksgiving is baked mac and cheese popular in American cuisine?
Baked mac and cheese is a favorite at family gatherings, potlucks, football‑watch parties, and as a comforting weeknight dinner because it can be prepared ahead and feeds a crowd.
How does baked mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
It exemplifies the American love for dairy‑rich, indulgent dishes that combine convenience (canned evaporated milk) with homemade touches (freshly grated cheese), making it both nostalgic and adaptable.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic American baked mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes call for elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, milk or cream, and butter. This version uses evaporated milk for richness; substitutes include whole milk plus butter or half‑and‑half, and other melt‑friendly cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack.
What other American dishes pair well with baked mac and cheese on a Thanksgiving table?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, honey‑glazed carrots, and a simple mixed green salad to balance the richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making baked mac and cheese at home?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, using pre‑shredded cheese that contains anti‑caking agents, and baking at too high a temperature which can dry out the sauce. Follow the timing and low‑heat sauce steps for best results.
Why does this baked mac and cheese recipe use evaporated milk instead of regular milk or cream?
Evaporated milk adds a richer, slightly caramelized flavor and reduces the water content, resulting in a thicker sauce without the need for extra flour or roux, making the recipe quicker and more shelf‑stable.
What does the YouTube channel Eatwitzo specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eatwitzo focuses on easy, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often with a holiday or seasonal twist, and emphasizes straightforward techniques that home cooks can master quickly.
How does the YouTube channel Eatwitzo's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Eatwitzo blends classic comfort dishes with practical shortcuts—like using canned evaporated milk—while still encouraging fresh ingredients such as freshly grated cheese, offering a balance of convenience and flavor that sets it apart from more gourmet‑focused channels.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
