This modified version of John Legend's recipe, as featured on Martha Stewart's show, can be prepared in the morning and cooked later in the day! It's everything macaroni and cheese should be: cheesy with a crunchy baked crust.
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Keyword: cheese
Author: Beth Cato
Ingredients
2Tablespoonsunsalted butterplus more for baking dish
1 1/2cupselbow macaroni
1can evaporated milk
1large egg
3/4teaspoonseasoning salt
1/2teaspoongarlic powder
1/2teaspoonsalt
1/4teaspoonpepper
12ouncessharp cheddar cheeseor a mix of cheddars, shredded
sprinkle paprika
bread crumbs
Instructions
If you plan to bake this right away, preheat oven to 375-degrees. Butter or spray a 9x9 baking dish.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add salt and macaroni. Cook until al dente. Drain the water and return the macaroni to the pot. Add butter and stir until it has melted.
In a medium bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and egg. Add seasoned salt, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place about 1/3 of the macaroni in an even layer in the bottom of prepared baking dish. This should be just enough to cover the bottom. Cover with 1/3 of the cheese. Repeat twice more with remaining macaroni and cheese.
Pour the milk and seasonings mixture evenly over the contents of the baking dish. At this point, you can stash the dish in the fridge overnight or during the day until it's meal time.
When you're ready to bake, make sure the oven is preheated. Sprinkle the top of the macaroni with paprika and bread crumbs.
Bake until top layer is lightly browned, 25 to 30 minutes; note that if the dish is cold, bake time will likely need to be extended to closer to 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.