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Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe courtesy Alton Brown Show: Good Eats Episode: For Whom the Cheese Melts 2 Overall User Rating: 
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Excellent Macaroni and Cheese
07/20/2008 at 12:35pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I did NOT grow up on the blue box Mac and Cheese...we always made our own, but, trying to eat healthier, I hadn't made mac and cheese in years. I hadn't even made a roux in years! I love this recipe. If you can make a good smooth roux, you'll have no trouble at all with this recipe. I saw that some had complained that the sauce was too saucy, and I do prefer my mac and cheese to be more 'subtantial' so I used 3/4 lb of pasta instead of the recommended half. Otherwise, I've made the recipe exactly as directed and it's excellent. The bay leaf imparts a truly unique flavor to the dish, and I understand that not everyone would like it, but I think it makes this dish and should NOT be left out! Choose your cheese wisely though, it makes a big difference. I prefer a good strong aged white British or Vermont cheddar. If you don't like the onion, try substituting with leeks instead (well washed!), they have a milder flavor. I've made this with onion, I've made it with leeks if I have them handy. Even added a few strips of cooked chopped bacon just to give it a little something extra. Play with it, it's a good basic recipe, but fun to make to make it your own. I now eat mac and cheese just a little more often than I should ;-)
Excellent!
07/17/2008 at 09:34am
User: null from null, null User Rating:
This is the best I have ever tried.
Bay Leaf ?????
07/15/2008 at 02:01pm
User: Judy from Easton, PA User Rating:
I first tried Alton Brown's Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese. I was delighted with the results - I should have stuck with that recipe. I then tried his Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Needlesstosay, it was disappointing. First of all, bay leaf should not be added to this recipe - it was overpowering and does not enhance the flavor. Also, the bread crumbs made this recipe much too dry. Sorry, Alton, but I'm sticking with your Stove Top recipe - that was delicious!! Judy in Easton, PA
Yay for the onion!
07/13/2008 at 10:10pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
The onion flavor makes this different from any mac n cheese, yet it remains the traditional comfort food mac n cheese it is supposed to be. I have always been obsessed with the mac n cheese at Cracker Barrell restaurants, but I have not ordered them since making Alton's; this is the very best mac n cheese!
Yum!
07/10/2008 at 11:23pm
User: Robin from Monroe, NC User Rating:
This stuff is amazing! I left out the onion and used crushed up Townhouse crackers instead of bread crumbs, but that was mostly due to picky friends and availability.
Alton Brown ROCKS!!!
07/10/2008 at 09:22pm
User: Jimmy from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL User Rating:
Best mac&cheese EVER!!!!
Alton ROCKS!!!
07/10/2008 at 09:12pm
User: null from null, null User Rating:
Best Mac&Cheese in the universe!!!!
Love It!
07/10/2008 at 04:41pm
User: John from Davenport, FL User Rating:
It was simply amazing!
No guessing if it'll curdle
07/05/2008 at 02:30pm
User: MARYLYNN from Langhorne, PA User Rating:
This was a great baked mac & cheese, as easy as my usual recipe but no seperation or curdling. You know we saved the leftovers for Altons fried mac & cheese- a big hit.
A Winner,
07/05/2008 at 11:19am
User: Kay from Berwick, PA User Rating:
I was never a fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe converted me. It is the ultimate comfort food. I made if for a family get together and there was nothing to bring home. It was fairly simple to make, it will be a handy addition to my recipe file! Thanks! Kay
awesome
07/03/2008 at 11:52pm
User: sarah from hoquiam, WA User Rating:
Every time i cook this my family can't wate to eat it
mmmm...yum!
07/03/2008 at 07:50pm
User: Elise from falconer, NY User Rating:
You did it agin Alton! this is another one of my favorites.....its very cheesy, easy and not to mention, creamy! The hot sauce added that extra zip and flavor that regular boxed mac and cheese from the store, just doesn't have. I would choose this over store bought mac and cheese, any day!
Excellent Mac and Cheese
07/02/2008 at 10:38pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This recipe was easy to follow and the results were delicious!
Amazing
07/01/2008 at 11:10pm
User: Jessi from Woodland, CA User Rating:
I made this for my parents for dinner, and they both loved it. It was very easy to make, and delicious.
It's amazing
07/01/2008 at 01:51am
User: Evelyn from Atlanta, GA User Rating:
I've made this four times, and each time it turns out perfectly. It's golden brown and lightly crisp on the top and wonderfully creamy and rich on the inside. It's the best thing my casserole dish has ever seen.
My Favorite Mac & Cheese
06/30/2008 at 10:58am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
If you like homestyle mac n cheese, this is the one for you! It is easy to make, creamy, and cheesy. My fiancee doesn't do much cooking, but after he tried this recipe he wanted to know how to make it, and now he makes it twice a month for me when I get to come home from law school. It is the best!
READ THIS
06/29/2008 at 01:24pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
first of all, yes the onion is a bit over powering, but you can always cut back.I made this dish exactly the way he made it on the show, all the ingredients and all the techniques. this was absoulutely wonderful. its as simple as that. Also if you didnt like it, dont throw it away. youre teaching youre kids to be spoiled and waste perfectly good food. instead act mature for once. make the fried mac and cheese the next day. you can barely taste the onion. sure you might get a heart attack, but if I wanted to die from food it would be from this. Oh and by the way, dont post a review if you didnt make it like he did. you are in no position to formulate an opinion on this dish if you made it 100 times diferent than the recipe he's providing. if you cant handle paprika, you REALLY have problems.
ooooh yummy
06/28/2008 at 04:40pm
User: Michelle from pacific grove, CA User Rating:
This recipe is fantastic. It's creamy, but not at all soupy. Also it will last in the refrigerator for a few days. Definitely the best mac and cheese recipe I've tried.
Great Classic Mac and Cheese
06/28/2008 at 03:50pm
User: melanie from Fort Lauderdale, FL User Rating:
I love this recipe by Alton Brown and have been using it for quite a while. The onion flavor makes it unique and is quite tasty. I love the texture and the crumb topping which makes it very homestyle tasting and looking. The only thing I might do is add a bit more cheese to give it a little more punch.
Macaroni Grows Up.....
06/27/2008 at 05:16pm
User: KC and Michelle from Thomaston, GA User Rating:
This is the BEST baked macaroni I have ever tried! I usually find it too bland, or with so many added ingredients you can't really think of it as just macaroni and cheese. This recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors to take an old family standby to the next level. DEFINITELY will be one of my "go-to" recipe's:)
Excellent Mac-n-Cheese!!!
06/27/2008 at 12:25pm
User: Hilary from Clawson, MI User Rating:
This recipe is excellent-important to serve as soon as it is ready however so that the consistency remains proper. I did not have bay leaves and used thyme instead-great flavor addition. Also, I used dried onion to minimize the texture and flavor while still getting the necessary "onion punch". I also added some garlic powder. Didn't have mustard powder either so I used just a few squirts of some regular yellow mustard. For cheeses I used white cheddar, colby jack, and stravecchio for sharpness. All in all this was easy and wonderful and I will definitely make again!
Whole family loves it!
06/18/2008 at 09:00pm
User: Mari from Huntington Beach, CA User Rating:
People raved about my old southern-style baked mac 'n cheese, but this one even topped that, and it's so easy to make my kids do a big part of it.
Not My Kind of Baked Macaroni & Cheese
05/24/2008 at 04:48pm
User: Gregory from Augusta, GA User Rating:
This is the first AB recipe that I didn't love. It's okay, but it's just not my style. I didn't like the crumb topping, the cheese sauce just didn't taste good to me (too many things other than cheese in it), and the onion was somewhat overpowering. I think I'll stick to my mom's recipe of just macaroni, cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
Tweaks here and there
05/20/2008 at 01:55pm
User: Alice from Davis, CA User Rating:
I had a craving for grown-up mac and cheese, and this is what came up when I Googled! Before trying this recipe I read a bunch of the reviews so that I could maximize our attempt. We probably ended up adding more like 16 oz of cheese - 4 oz of a Kraft Italian mix and 4 oz Kraft sharp cheddar in the sauce, then 2 oz of each on top and 4 oz of Tillamook extra sharp cheddar (cubed) inside the casserole dish. I think the extra cubed cheese helped keep the moisture. I still have to agree that this mixture still isn't sharp enough so maybe we'll later explore w/ some other cheeses (I'm going to take a look at Bobby Flay's Throwdown episode recipe for the cheeses). We also added about 1 tablespoon of cayenne/paprika mixed but I think that was a little too much. I enjoy the onions and they aren't too noticeable as long as you do cook em down first and not put them in nearly raw. The panko didn't brown too nicely, but it was still delicious. I also ended use cavatappi pasta instead. We also forgot to salt and pepper it so I'm sure it should be even more delicious. The funny thing is, I think our mac ended up tasting better as leftovers. I put a portion into a small dish (the kind used for creme brulee). I microwave it for 2-3 minutes, then I stick it in the toaster oven under broil for another 7-8 minutes. The top is nicely browned and the cheese slightly burnt and the inside still gooey. Thanks - I owe this to the other reviewers for their tips (and AB, of course)!
Eh.
05/15/2008 at 02:38pm
User: Melissa from Oak Hill, VA User Rating:
I had high hopes for this recipe. I thought it was (just) OK, but my daughter and partner hated it. There was too much onion and not enough cheesy goodness. I imagine it would make a lovely tuna cassarole base, but just did not cut it for my mac and cheese craving. I hate wasting food, so the next day, I reheated a serving with a couple of slices of American cheese and some worcestershire, and it was pretty good, but I will not make this recipe again.
Mmmm...Yum
05/10/2008 at 02:40pm
User: VERONICA from ogden, UT User Rating:
I've made this recipe a hundred times. It's almost always come out delicious. One time it was REALLY off so I have to believe that I missed something that one time, but I was also attempting to triple the portion and make decisions about what needed to be tripled and what didn't. I think I didn't have enough egg for the cheese sauce. I like the onion flavor but I also put onions in my bechamels so there you go. Great recipe. Many have said it's the best they've ever had -- a true family favorite.
mac & cheese
05/05/2008 at 09:27pm
User: Fred from Covington, LA User Rating:
Altons' recipe is great, creamy, a little spicey, and easy to prepare. I like his show,the explanations of how and why food cooks the way it does is great. Keep up the Good(Eats)work. Thank you.....
Best Ever!
05/03/2008 at 02:37pm
User: Bruce from Zeeland, MI User Rating:
This is by far the best Mac & cheese you will ever make. Alton has this recipe perfect. A must make!!
A Recipe Staple
04/29/2008 at 06:26pm
User: Bethany from Beaverton, OR User Rating:
I've made this recipe several times now and it's turned out great and different every time. I've even ventured so far as to add different cheeses to the top while it bakes such as gargonzola and smoked cheddar. This is a great basic recipe!
I LOVE ALTON B!
04/28/2008 at 06:19pm
User: Lara from Upton, MA User Rating:
My husband and I love all his recipes. He's like Mr. Science for food! However, what I did was- carmelize the onions with a few drops of Maple syrup, I substituted half the sharp cheddar for smoked cheddar, and I added a few strips of oven baked bacon. Other than that I followed the recipe exactly- and can I just say... WOW!! Best dish I've ever cooked. It was crispy on top, gooy in the middle- and the rich smokey flavor throuhout...!! THE BEST! L
I love AB, but not this recipe
04/26/2008 at 08:14pm
User: Diana from Winchester, KY User Rating:
I was excited at the idea of making this for my 10 year old son, who loves Alton's sugar cookie and chocolate chip waffle recipes. First, I have to preface this by saying that I didn't use the onion, hot spices, or bay leaf. My son and I can't eat spicy foods. I was disappointed when the recipe came out bland and rather grainy in texture. This is the first Alton recipe I've tried that I had to give a low rating to. Yes, I do cook often, I"m not an amateur. I will probably try his stove top version and see if it comes out any better.
Onion?
04/26/2008 at 07:08pm
User: Chris from Cornwall on Hudson, NY User Rating:
I found this recipe average, but my wife didn't like it at all. The onion really overpowered the cheese, even though I halved it. Also in terms of a simple baked mac and cheese, I have found that a tempered egg is generally not necessary. It adds extra steps and dishes. Too bad, I generally love AB's recipes.
The best mac and cheese I've ever eaten.
04/25/2008 at 07:02pm
User: Lee from Moorhead, MN User Rating:
I've made this recipe several times, and I've never been disappointed or felt that there was too much or too little of anything. That's not to say that I haven't made improvements. For best results: use 5 Tbls. of butter with the roux instead of 3; always, always, always use whole milk when a recipe calls for milk; use 8 oz. of extra sharp cheddar and 8 oz. of smoked sharp cheddar; don't just chop the onion, dice it very small - I use a food chopper and dice until it's almost a paste; instead of panko, use some crushed up salad croutons - I like the garlic and cheese variety with this recipe; when cooking the noodles, do as Alton says in the recipe and cook to "super-al-dente," which is just slightly firmer than al dente - the sauce will soften them to the right texture when you bake it. I pretty much keep some of this in my fridge at all times. There is nothing better for warming my mood up here in the tundra.
Love it!
04/24/2008 at 07:02pm
User: Rocky from calgary, CO User Rating:
I have been looking for a great baked mac and cheese recipe that is delicious but not too fatty. This recipe is awesome - will be made over and over and over in my house! Love it Alton!
Sooo good.
04/21/2008 at 01:23pm
User: Jen from Chandler, AZ User Rating:
I added home-made mashed potatoes on the bottom and ommitted the bay leaf and paprika but it was super delicious.
Call Paula
04/20/2008 at 07:21pm
User: Mary from Wisconsin Rapids, WI User Rating:
We have tried many of Alton's recipes and loved them but Alton should call Paula Dean. Her Lady and Son's Mac and Cheese would blow his mind. Sorry Alton but it was BLAH!!!!
love it! love it! love it!
04/20/2008 at 06:10pm
User: Ryan from Sheridan , WY User Rating:
Classic, easy, and loved by any one who is a mac and cheese addict like me.
pretty darn good
04/18/2008 at 11:30pm
User: Suzy from portland, OR User Rating:
We liked this pretty well. I thought it needed a little more salt; hubby thought it needed a little cayenne. We tasted the sauce before folding in the macaroni and decided to add a dash of Worcestershire -- good move. Also, personal preference, we didn't care for the crumb topping. With a little tinkering, we might leave the box behind!
disappointed in Alton
04/17/2008 at 01:58pm
User: susan from Marysville, WA User Rating:
I love Alton and thought this would be excellent. However, the bay leaf flavoring was TOO POWERFUL! Next time (if there is a next time) I wouldn't use the bay leaf. I feel Martha Stewarts Mac & Cheese 101 is the BEST EVER! Susan
Just like mom makes
04/15/2008 at 04:20pm
User: Angela from Houston, TX User Rating:
This was my first attempt at making homemade mac & cheese. It turned out better than I expected. Instead of chopping the onions, I grated them so as not to have large pieces in the casserole. This worked out well because you get the onion flavor, but not the chunks. Bravo!
It's not like the box--that's a good thing
04/13/2008 at 05:21pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I've tried many of Mr. Brown's recipes, and I own a couple of his books. I've never had problems with anything of his, but I always read recipe comments before I try them. Here's my answers to problems voiced in the comments on this recipe: 1) You cannot make roux, or really any sauce, with whole wheat flour. Don't even try. 2) Use a yellow, not white, onion. They are much sweeter and less pungent. Try red onion if you need even milder flavors, but it will make the sauce an odd shade of orange. 3) This does not taste anything like boxed mac and cheese. I think that's a good thing. If you are looking for an unnaturally orange salt-and-cheese-flavored pasta dish, don't waste your time on this one. 4) Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded stuff often contains anti-clumping agents like silicon dioxide (read: SAND) and rarely tastes good on its own. That said, this was an excellent recipe. "Grownup" mac and cheese with a balanced flavor--cheese mixed with a background of onion and garlic, all under a tasty crust. I will definitely keep this recipe.
Excellent!
04/13/2008 at 04:05pm
User: LISA from Seneca, SC User Rating:
This was a very easy and tasty macaroni. Thanks for another go to recipe! Goodbye K**** mac and cheese boxes! I used a white chedder, (thought it would look fancier for entertaining and it did, especially with the crumb topping also.)
definitely different
04/13/2008 at 01:25pm
User: Darcie from Tallahassee, FL User Rating:
The flavors are definitely a bit dufferent, but this is a great mac and cheese (though not traditional) I drained out the onions and bay leaf like an earlier reviewer. The family really seemed to enjoy this
Excellent Mac and Cheese
04/11/2008 at 11:48am
User: Laura from Henrietta, NY User Rating:
I could eat it every day. My children enjoyed it, too. I put in a little less onions and it was perfect. Great!
Bored with the Boxed Stuff
04/07/2008 at 07:58pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I was craving some baked mac and cheese so I tried this. I was looking for something very different and more grown up than the ordinary boxed mac n cheese, and this fit the bill perfectly. It also reheats well which is important since there's only two of us, and we end usually end up with plenty of leftovers.
Great!
04/05/2008 at 02:00pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
It was really great, I just made it for a bunch of my friends at school for one of our "family dinners" and everyone went back for seconds! I didn't have any of the problems other people mentioned, I couldn't even tell there was onion in it and I had the right pasta to sauce ratio. The only thing I would say is it was a little bland, but throw some salt, tobasco, or ketchup on it and it's delish.
Family loved it
04/01/2008 at 10:43am
User: Pam from Dublin, OH User Rating:
Great altnerative to the mac n cheese from the box. Watch when making the sauce...easily burns on bottom of pan.
Yummy
03/31/2008 at 10:49pm
User: Anastassia from Brooklyn, NY User Rating:
Great flavor and just as good the next day :)
Best mac and cheese!
03/30/2008 at 09:22pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I left out the onions, and can't get the lumps out of any sauce to begin with, and this was great. Best mac and cheese I've ever had. If your pan is small (mine was an 8" by 8") use less breadcrumbs. Otherwise, great recipe! If your sauce ends up lumpy like mine, just strain it before mixing with the pasta.
Very Tasty! Sweat the Onions
03/24/2008 at 08:00pm
User: Cheri from Milwaukee, WI User Rating:
My husband and I love this recipe! Definitely use Panko (instead of regular) bread crumbs. Also, left raw, the onion is overpowering. We fixed that by sweating the onions before adding them to the sauce. A generous portion of roasted garlic doesn't hurt, either. Awesome! Thanks, AB!!!
Delicious baked mac and cheese
03/19/2008 at 12:28pm
User: null from null, null User Rating:
Made this recipe last night with a friend. We used 2% reduced fat sharp cheddar and 2% low fat milk. Had Italian Bread Crumbs so used that instead of Panko Crumbs. Doubled the recipe and baked for 50 minutes rather than 30. It turned out delicious! The onions were a great addition.
Yum
03/16/2008 at 08:35pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This is a great recipe for baked mac and cheese, however I used mexican blend cheese instead of cheedar.
Incredibly Delicious
03/16/2008 at 05:30pm
User: Anabel from Canoga Park, CA User Rating:
I'm a big fan of Mac & cheese. I've tried several other recipes from "famous" Food Network Chefs, and Alton's is by far my FAVORITE!!! It's creamy, tasty, and incredibly delicious comfort food. It's Good Eats!
So Good
03/13/2008 at 08:29pm
User: Melissa from Enterprise, AL User Rating:
I made as instructed, and it was fantastic.
To much onion
03/11/2008 at 06:22pm
User: Shaun from salisbury, MD User Rating:
The recipe called for onion. There was to much for my taste. I would also add a little more salt. The texture was fine. I will eat it again but with these changes.
Even better the next day.
03/03/2008 at 04:44pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I skipped the icky onions, other than that I stuck to the recipe. Tasted even better the next day.
recipe for the whole family
03/03/2008 at 11:43am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
My whole family likes this recipe, from my 18 month old to my grandparents.
Good, quick dish
02/24/2008 at 12:40pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I thought this dish was amazing! I made a few minor adjustments to suit my taste and all my friends went crazy! I'm not a big onion person, so I left that out. I used more cheese and added 16 ounces instead of 12. Also, I added some white cooking wine to the cheese sauce, and this really complemented the taste of the cheese and made everyone go wild (sort of an adult mac and cheese). I didn't really like the panko bread crumbs, but not a big deal. I 'll just use regular bread crumbs next time. All in all, very good dish and well worth the cook time!!
The best ever Mac &Cheese
02/23/2008 at 10:54am
User: Joanne from Norwalk, CT User Rating:
My husband & I grew up on Mac & Cheese and we can't get enough of this recipe. I am now converting my Mom over to this recipe!
Really bad
02/22/2008 at 03:17pm
User: Barbara from Sun City,, AZ User Rating:
My cheese ended up separated and lumpy, and I tempered the egg correctly. The only good part was the Panko topping. I will remember that for other recipes. My favorite macaroni and cheese is still Velveeta with onions and chopped peppers. Reminds me of home.
Typical, nothing special
02/22/2008 at 01:46am
User: Kristin from Schaumburg, IL User Rating:
No big cheese flavor and the texture wasn't creamy. If you want a good mac and cheese go for America's Test Kitchen stove top mac and cheese. The secret ingredient is evaporated milk.
easy
02/21/2008 at 09:44am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Very good and easy.
Nasty mac and cheese
02/21/2008 at 09:26am
User: anna from canton, MI User Rating:
This mac and cheese is awful. It is bland the texture is nasty. Box mac and cheese is wonderful compared to this.
nummy on a cold afternoon
02/20/2008 at 07:50pm
User: lisa from Marne, MI User Rating:
quite good, and my husband who dislikes macaroni and cheese loved it. Went together quickly and was on the table in an hour. Would decrease the onion or carmelize it next time (drought year onions are a tad powerful)
yummy
02/17/2008 at 06:17pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I love mac and cheese, and while I'm still convinced my grampa makes the best...this is pretty close! I love the panko crumbs, what a wonderful idea! This recipe is definately worth a try!!!
Ultimate Comfort Food
02/16/2008 at 07:42pm
User: Martin from Roy, UT User Rating:
This has become the most loved recipe that I cook for my family. It is the ultimate comfort food if anybody is not feeling well, is stressed, or just having a bad day. This is also the most requested side-dish when somebody has done something really special that deserves an extra thanks. The leftovers don't last long. I sometimes hide a small dish in the fridge and heat it up for breakfast. What a great treat.
Yummy and Easy
02/15/2008 at 01:37pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I'm no cook, but this is really an easy and delicious recipe!
No leftovers
02/11/2008 at 11:02pm
User: Ruth from Raleigh, NC User Rating:
My daughter made this, and it was wonderful. We've never tried the fried mac and cheese because we never have leftovers!
Great Comfort Food
02/11/2008 at 09:42pm
User: Kendra from Denver, CO User Rating:
I have really been getting into cooking and the food network and I saw on the ad on the internet for comfort food. I made it for my family and the only complaint I had was it was bland. I was wondering if anyone else found something else to put in it. I was thinking maybe ham? Let me know if you can Simply-Beautiful-8@hotmail.com. Thanks!
HIGHLY RECCOMENDED!!!!!!!!!!!!
02/06/2008 at 06:15pm
User: Calah from Talking Rock, GA User Rating:
This recipie is WONDERFUL!!! I just added a tad bit less cheese but still VERY GOOD!!!!!!
Yummy Mac and Cheese
02/04/2008 at 02:27am
User: Frances from Lancaster, CA User Rating:
A most enjoyable comfort food. Recipe was easy to follow and the results were very rewarding.
Yuk!
02/03/2008 at 11:53am
User: Timothy from Kalamazoo, MI User Rating:
Oh Alton, you failed me on this one. I've eaten blue box pasta with 10x more flavor!
not very tasty
01/31/2008 at 09:36pm
User: Catherine from Montgomery Village, MD User Rating:
i agree with other people that this lacked flavor. maybe this is supposed to be a simple dish so they didn't put much thought into it, but I love my comfort food and I don't think this was cheesy or creamy enough. I might have had more flour or egg, or a condensed soup instead, or perhaps a different milk (I am vegetarian, so I used soymilk). I also was out of dry mustard so I just used regular condiment mustard. It came out fine, and I ditched the bread crumbs because I don't care for it. but I favor recipes more where it is baked longer than 30 minutes because it can't get thick enough and absorb flavor. my boyfriend thought it was good, but it was not up to my snuff. another thing is - is this recipe easy? He doesn't tell you what temperature to make the roux at, and instructions were not very exact. what if someone doesn't know what tempering is or how to make a roux? hey alton, do I put a cover on my casserole dish? that didn't help. I could figure it out, but because of the roux and other aspects, this is more like intermediate and not very basic. I didn't really like this one. I agree with another lady that Kraft does a better job . ..
Alton is Awesome!
01/31/2008 at 06:59pm
User: cindy from blairsville, GA User Rating:
This is a great mac and cheese recipe! I have made it twice now. Once with the onion and once without. If you like onion you still may find it a little strong and overbearing, so I made it again without the onion and it was GREAT!!! Try it. You will like it!
OH MY GOD!!
01/27/2008 at 06:50pm
User: lynn from cary, IL User Rating:
I detest boxed mac n chhese and have been looking for a recipe that doesn't have processed cheese in it. This is, by far, the most amazing mac n cheese!! I used Vermont chddar & extra sharp Wisconsin cheddar. Not having any panko bread crumbs laying around, I used crushed kettle cooked potato chips. They added a really great salty crunch to an awesome meal!!!
Great Mac & Cheese Recipe!
01/27/2008 at 09:44am
User: MEGHAN from Hagerstown, MD User Rating:
Alton does it again! This baked macaroni and cheese recipe was great! I omitted the by leaf and used regular bread crumbs instead of panko. The topping was cheesy and crunchy, just how I like it! I would highly recommend this recipe! It was delicious!
This is GREAT!!
01/26/2008 at 02:38pm
User: Christopher from East Lansing, MI User Rating:
OK, I have made many things from this website And they were good, but hard. This is so good and not as hard. It takes some time though. If you don't have a bay leaf for this recipe, use a teaspoon of white vinegar. It tastes great! The only thing that I would do different Is less bread crumbs and more cheese. You may think that there is a lot of cheese in it but there really isn't. I'm 10 and it was fun and easy to do.
Almost Perfect...
01/26/2008 at 01:06pm
User: JOHN from Raleigh, NC User Rating:
I enjoyed this receipe, but I won't stop looking for others to try. Following the advice of others I increase the amount of noodles cooked. I added 4 oz. The next time I make this, I will saute the onions before adding the flour to make the roux to soften the onions bite and I would exclude the bay leaf. But overall, a very solid dish.
Really disappointing...
01/25/2008 at 12:49pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I'm surprised at the number of high marks for this recipe- I followed it exactly, and the finished product was incredibly bland with very little cheese flavor. We love mac & cheese, but this recipe went in the garbage!
Fantastic!
01/23/2008 at 12:31pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This was easy and delicious!
Quick & Easy
01/21/2008 at 11:50am
User: Yara from Herndon, VA User Rating:
I followed the exact recipe (even to measuring by weight), except for the cheese type, to see how it turned out & it was delicious! The bay leaf, mustard, onion, egg & paprika were new to me (from my standby mac & cheese), but sounded interesting. What will I change next time I make it? - Less onions (maybe only half) - add 1/4 tsp of chayenne powder. - MORE CHEESE, maybe all 12 oz in the mix & another 4 oz for topping. Mix up cheeses w/ cheddar & others. I didn't use the sharp cheddar, but a mix of grana padano(8 oz) (whole food's market - we LOVED the way it tasted & thot it would work well w/ this) & colby jack (4 oz).
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
01/16/2008 at 12:47pm
User: Erin from Lake Stevens, WA User Rating:
This recipe was so tasty, we had it 2 nights in a row! I even brought it to a potluck and had to write it out on a napkin for 2 of the guests!
very happy with the recipe
01/15/2008 at 10:03pm
User: jennifer from st paul, MN User Rating:
I have tried about 10 recipes for Macaroni and Cheese from this freakin website and the only one that comes close to being as good as this one is one of Paula's. I think the bay leaf and the whole tablespoon of dry mustard (which was mixed in with the roux) made the flavor superb. The consistency was the right balance of moist and dry. (I know, that did not make sense, but it was)One thing: the stupid grocery store by my house (not my usual store) did not have Panko, so I substituted 1/2 cup plain bread crumbs with a 1/2 cup corn flake crumbs. My husband even loved it and that moron claims he hates mac-n-cheese. Whatever. Thanks Alton.
No Favor
01/15/2008 at 08:11pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I tried this for my son who is a mac n' cheese fanatic. No flavor and a huge amount of leftovers that unfortunatly ended up in the garbage can. Not worth the time or calories.
Great Recipe Alton!
01/15/2008 at 05:26pm
User: Joe from Portland, OR User Rating:
The only thing I didn't add was the paprika since I was out of it. I also added 16oz cheese instead of 12oz. Everyone loved this meal!!!! I've added it to my recipe box forever.
Delicious!
01/14/2008 at 02:24pm
User: Lauren from Port St Lucie, FL User Rating:
I doubled the recipe and cut a little bit of the milk out and probably used a bit more cheese (I really don't like super-creamy mac and cheese) and it turned out PERFECT. Some of the panko crumbs on the top were a little over-cooked, but I scraped them off and it looked fine. The panko added a nice crunch.
Baked mac and cheese
01/14/2008 at 08:44am
User: CANDY from Atco, NJ User Rating:
Quick and uncomplicated recipe! Texture was creamy and not too cheesy, just right, and good flavor..
My fav mac n cheese!
01/09/2008 at 02:27pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This has become a staple in my home. My bf can't eat onions so I saute a clove of chopped garlic instead. The flavor is great. I do add a bit more salt/pepper, make my own breadcrumbs, use dijon mustard and sometimes use whole wheat pasta- penne, macaroni, corkscrews, etc. It tastes great and can't even tell! I also sprinkle on some parmesean on top or jarlsberg. It's awesome!
Raved by All - VERY CREAMY!
01/08/2008 at 09:48am
User: Jessica from Colorado Springs, CO User Rating:
I've made this dish 3 times in just 2 months. Once for just me and my husband where I convinced him that it was worthy of baking for his office holiday party and for our own Christmas meal with family. Everyone who has tried it has loved it. We've tried multiple varieties of noodle to mix it up. We've also reduced (slightly) the amount of onion - which by the way it is important to dice very fine unless you enjoy a big chunk of onion in a bite. Also the Panko bread crumbs are worth finding because their delicious crunch adds the perfect contrast to the creamy meal! This is also a great reheat (though the Panko doesn't hold its crunch as well).
5 Stars IF you back off the onions
01/05/2008 at 08:56pm
User: James from Chicago, IL User Rating:
I used a full pound of cheese, and used 1/3 of a regular-sized yellow onion. USE LESS!!!! Some bites of this would be excellent, but most had WAY too much onion flavor. You could probably get away with using no onions at all. ALSO, be sure to salt adequately. Tad bit bland.
Just Splendid!
01/02/2008 at 03:12pm
User: DEE from Bronx, NY User Rating:
I prepared this recipe twice for Christmas Dinner. One with onions, one without. Left off the bread crumb topping and just used addtional shreeded cheese instead. It was cheesy, flavorful and it over very well. I intend to make this dish at least once again during 08!
sounded good
01/02/2008 at 01:35pm
User: Debbie from fullerton, CA User Rating:
I thought it was fair,I thought it would be so much better!I guess I'll use mine and put crumbs on it?
Not what I expected
01/02/2008 at 04:21am
User: Stephanie from Pullman, WA User Rating:
Sadly, I was very disappointed with the outcome of this; I even doubled the recipe for an added waste of ingredients. Both my boyfriend and I thought it lacked flavor, and the consistency was almost like little curdles (I did not have curdled eggs in my sauce). I wish I had the same result as most of the reviewers, I was really looking forward to this. Unfortunately, never again.
Fantastic potluck recipe!
12/30/2007 at 06:50pm
User: Laura from Durham, NC User Rating:
I've made this macaroni numerous times for a variety of office parties and holiday meals. It always gets rave reviews, and has become my potluck stand-by. It's also great re-heated, one of those few leftovers you actually enjoy eating. I omit the mustard, onion, and bayleaf, and substitute in a bit extra pepper and paprika. Plain old white bread crumbs work best in my experience with this recipe. Tasty and pretty much full-proof!
too many onions
12/30/2007 at 11:38am
User: Courtney from Wilbraham, MA User Rating:
I made that mac and cheese last night. I doubled the recipe and it all fit in a 3 quart pan perfectly! I loved how the bread crumbs brought it all together. The only thing i think i would do differently next time when doubling it is use less onions. I used one cup for mine and it seemed to overpower the cheese and everything else.I would think even a half a cup is too much if u dont double it.
Nothing but Raves!
12/29/2007 at 04:31pm
User: Dawn from Stoughton, MA User Rating:
I served this Macaroni and cheese dish at our family Christmas dinner along with a glazed ham. The Mac and Cheese was a huge hit, everyone from the kids to the adults loved it. It was definitely more creamy than some of the Mac and Cheese recipes I've made. I will say that I substituted shallots, finely chopped for the onion, and that was great!
Good Eats
12/29/2007 at 03:07am
User: Debby from Vernal, UT User Rating:
I am a huge Mac and cheese fan. It has to be one of the top all time comfort foods. I made this version for my husband and myself. I loved the onion which gave it a new twist. The egg is a wonderful ingredient for thickening. Thanks Alton for a new Mac and cheese recipe in my book.
Perfectly yummy!
12/28/2007 at 09:54pm
User: Cindy from Birmingham, MI User Rating:
Easy and super good!! It took maybe 15 minutes to put this together (I added cooked ham and parsley) and popped it in the oven. I had it as a side for lunch with friends and the main course was ignored this was soooo good. With a recipe this easy - why served your kids boxed?
Yikes!
12/27/2007 at 11:55pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
AB......I love your show, but I couldn't get anyone to love your mac and cheese! Complaints all over about being either too bland or onion flavor out of place.....also too much sauce. Prefer my old stove top recipe from scratch. Sorry :-(
Hated it!
12/27/2007 at 10:16pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I found this to be tasteless and not cheesy enough. I went all over looking for Panko bread crumbs. I followed the recipe exactly (and I am an excellent cook). We didn't eat this. It went in the trash after all that work it was so awful. I have been afraid to try any of his other recipes since.
Awesome
12/22/2007 at 05:12pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I love AB and this was such a good and easy recipe.
Always Good Eats
12/18/2007 at 03:24pm
User: Laura from Manchester, NH User Rating:
Mr. Brown has turned me into a person that liked to cook occasionally, to one that adores cooking. His recipe for baked macaroni and cheese was the first one of his that I had tried without seeing the show first (I had good luck with a few of his others, so figured the M&C would be good). It is a favorite in the house now, and with everyone who has tried it. I've made it "as-is" several times, but in keeping with AB's instructions to 'play with our food', I have started adding curry powder to the flour/ground pepper mix. It adds a little something to the flavor that both my husband and I enjoy. I look forward to making this, and adding my own spin to it, because with a little knowledge and the right ingredients, this recipe is always.... Well, you know. ;)
A Waste
12/18/2007 at 10:45am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I followed the recipe exactly and we ended up throwing it away. It wasn't cheesy enough and it had an over powering onion flavor. I'm sorry but this is the worst mac and cheese recipe I've ever had.
Delicious Dish!!!
12/16/2007 at 05:37pm
User: Harriet from North Huntingdon, PA User Rating:
This was a wonderful recipe. We all liked it better than my usual recipe. I only used 1/4 cup of finely chopped vidalia onion, which I sauteed first. To me, it was just the right amount, because you could still really taste it -- I can't imagine using the called for 1/2 cup. I think it would be overpowering, especially for children. I also only used 1/2 T. dry mustard since some people said what was called for was too much. I also didn't put the breadcrumbs on top, but sprinkled it with the remaining cheese. The next time, I'll just mix all of the cheese into it. Really good though!!
Great mac & cheese
12/16/2007 at 08:29am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I love Alton Brown!!!!... This was the first home made mac & cheese I have tried and it was wonderful... At the party I had tons of food and there was not a spoonful left in the bowl great great great stuff... I can't wait to make it again.. I see this being a new winter staple with my chicken noodle soup
Deelish!
12/09/2007 at 08:28pm
User: Marilyn from Toronto, ON User Rating:
So good!! Total comfort food!
If you don't like the Panko...
12/09/2007 at 03:34pm
User: Debbie from Cranberry, PA User Rating:
Great recipe. I noticed that some people didn't care for the Panko. I highly recommend substituting crushed up Goldfish Crackers! I got this idea from the restaurant at the top of the Contemporary in Disney World (their Sushi Roll is wonderful!) This topping is delicious and super kid friendly. It's even good on top of the boxed mac and cheese!
Definitely a keeper
12/08/2007 at 08:59pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Easy and delicious! I would serve this to people of any age as long as no one is lactose intolerant. It is on my list of foods to take to people who need a little TLC. The only change I made was using shell pasta and adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. I served with a big green salad and wine.
best baked mac n cheese I've ever made!
12/06/2007 at 09:07pm
User: richard from san dimas, CA User Rating:
I have baked this for my family twice, in the last two months, and got RAVE reviews!!! My wife asked me to make a batch, for a potluck lunch at work. It also got great reviews, and a request for the recipe! Thanks to Alton Brown and the Food Network staff for another GREAT recipe!!! Richard Lindsey P.S. You got credit for the recipe....
Looked forward to this all day . .
12/05/2007 at 12:32pm
User: Jennifer from Piedmont, SC User Rating:
... and was very disappointed. I was careful not to overcook the macaroni as several reviews said the outcome was mushy and bland, but it didn't help. I agree that this mac & cheese was mushy and bland and totally NOT worth the effort. I prefer homemade stovetop or even the Kraft in the blue box (sorry all you food snobs, but it's true). I was looking for tasty, warm, comfort food and I didn't get it. But I did get a mess in my oven because the sauce boiled over the sides of the casserole dish.
Dave W
12/04/2007 at 10:27pm
User: David from Newton, KS User Rating:
The best M&C. Lots of work, but it is worth it.
Absolutely Delicious!!
12/03/2007 at 07:31pm
User: Natrell from Charlotte, NC User Rating:
This is about the best macaroni and cheese I ever had!! It is definitely not your average mac and cheese, it has a little upscale twist but i think it would be great with just about anything. The magic ingredient for me was the bread crumbs...yummy!!!
Excellent
12/02/2007 at 08:26pm
User: Timothy from Mexico Beach, FL User Rating:
My wife and I loved this recipe. It is very easy to make and is even better with a little ham mixed in.
plain, not too exciting
12/01/2007 at 04:46pm
User: dianne from alton, NH User Rating:
Maybe I did something wrong. I found this recipe only ok. Not sure why so many others gave it such rave reviews.
Lacking cheesy flavor
12/01/2007 at 12:21pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
Lacking cheesy flavor.
Yummy! But you have to follow the directions!
11/29/2007 at 12:29pm
User: Chris from Randolph, NJ User Rating:
This was so good, my hubby and son loved it. You have to make sure to use Panko bread crumbs. Regular bread crumbs do not work! Also, don't skip the dry mustard or onions, those are the best part! Make sure to cook the onions fully!
This recipe rocks!!!
11/27/2007 at 04:32pm
User: Nancy from Tampa, FL User Rating:
I actually made this dish for Thanksgiving because my stepson is a very finicky eater. He really loved it except preferred it without onions. Ironically, on a table filled with traditional Thanksgiving dishes, this was one of everyone's favorites! I was told by the rest of our family that this must be included in our Thanksgiving feast in the future.
Pretty good, but not my style
11/27/2007 at 01:08pm
User: Marie from Brooklyn, NY User Rating:
I love AB, and I was excited to try this one. I've made it a couple of times and everyone seems to enjoy it every time I serve this mac and cheese. My only problem is the onions, the texture to me is a bit of a problem, so if you don't like onions, you should drain them out before putting the casserole together. You can also add ground meat to this and it's delicious. I would also suggest more cheese than the recipe suggests. oh and don't skimp on the Panko - the panko makes it!
Could do more work
11/26/2007 at 07:37pm
User: caroline from sierra madre , CA User Rating:
It's a great recipe but a little bland. I added a third cup of cream cheese and a quarter cup of ricotta. It made a big difference and was a hit for 20 people!
Wonderfull!
11/25/2007 at 07:05pm
User: Summer from East Lansing, MI User Rating:
Have tried this recipe a couple of times now and it comes out great each time! I particularly love the onion flavor in the dish and the panko bread crumbs are worth finding. Even the children in my family loved this version of the classic.
Not my grandmother's
11/25/2007 at 12:10pm
User: Dana from Greenwood, MO User Rating:
While this was okay, it wasn't as good as it sounded or as I had hoped. I DID particularly like the panko bread crumb top and the fact that this wasn't a "runny" macaroni & cheese recipe. I've been trying for years to recreate my grandmother's recipe and thought this sounded close, but it was still missing something. I can't put my finger on what it was. It was easy to make and the instructions were clear.
Say Mac and Cheeeeeese... Clik
11/24/2007 at 12:22pm
User: Rodney from no, CA User Rating:
This Recipe Was Delicious. I will make it over and over and over. I Followed the directions Exactly right down to the PANKO bread crumbs. I'll admit i wasnt familiar with what panko was so i went to the front of the Major supermarket to ask them and they just went panko what's that. i asked them would it be found in the bread crumb section they said yes. was it there NOPE. It's in the Asian foods section because its Japenese bread crumbs.
TRADITIONAL AND SIMPLE
11/22/2007 at 06:21pm
User: lori from LAS VEGAS, NV User Rating:
AFTER LOOKING AT MANY RECIPES .... THIS WAS THE MOST TRADITIONAL AND I HAVE MADE IT FOR 2 YEARS NOW!! ITS STARTING TO BE A FAMILY TRADITION!!!!! NOT TO MENTION ITS SUPER SIMLPE
Best Mac-n-Cheese EVAR!
11/20/2007 at 10:49am
User: Anonymous User Rating:
A huge hit with my family and in-laws. So simple, so elegant, perfect!
Easy and fairly fool proof
11/19/2007 at 08:53pm
User: Kelly from Wasilla, AK User Rating:
I have made this off and on for the last six months and often forget ingredients, add ingredients, etc. It is always great!
Disappointing
11/19/2007 at 06:28pm
User: Jackie from Kalamazoo, MI User Rating:
Disappointing to say the least. Too mushy, bland and dry.
Great Recipe!
11/19/2007 at 02:05pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I get great comments everytime I serve this recipe. Highly recommend it.
It was just okay
11/18/2007 at 09:02pm
User: Randi from Pocatello, ID User Rating:
It was very easy to make, but was a bit bland. The crumbs on top were great. The kids loved it. I wouldn't recommend it for a family meal, maybe a meal to make for the babysitter to feed the kids.
Great comfort food
11/16/2007 at 09:24pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I made this following the directions exactly, but I used inferior cheese (Kraft Sharp Cheddar just doesn't do it for me). The texture was great, I like how the egg really set the casserole, and I liked the crunchiness of the panko bread crumbs. I live at 5,400 ft. elevation, so I had to add about 15 minutes to the baking time to get the golden brown crust on top. Next time, I'll try using a better quality cheese or experiment with Gouda.
Awesome recipe!
11/14/2007 at 09:46pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I felt the need to add a review after reading some of the bad ones. I really love this recipe and have made it many times, so I wanted to add my voice to those who rated it highly. I agree that you might want to mess around with the quantities -- I never actually measure and have learned to eye-ball the quantities the way I like best. however, i think all the ingredients add something and don't leave any of them out. I do like the onions, contrary to some of the other reviewers. I also decided to try something new the most recent time that I made this recipe -- I added more vegetables (yellow and red pepper and zuccini, just because it's what I had in the fridge), and created a great "cheddar bowl" along the lines of the "Amy's" frozen meal. Also, this recipe does take a bit of time, but I think it's a lot of fun to make (especially grating the cheese) and do it when I want to spend some time cooking a meal that's not difficult but relaxing to make. In conclusion, if you love mac and cheese, give this one a try, and don't be afraid to mess around with it and make it your own!
Holy WOW!
11/13/2007 at 09:36pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
My picky husband even wants it again! Turned out great, wouldn't change a thing. Thanks, Alton!
Best I've ever made!
11/12/2007 at 01:29pm
User: Pat from Farmingdale, NY User Rating:
This makes a very flavorful mac & cheese. The crunchy panko and cheddar topping really adds the crowning touch. This is now my ultimate mac & cheese recipe.
Dried Out a Bit
11/11/2007 at 07:14pm
User: Tanya from Swartz Creek, MI User Rating:
My husband and I are both pretty experienced cooks, but this recipe didn't hold up to our expectations. I suggest decreasing the baking time as the dish tends to dry out. The overall flavor was good. I would also significantly decrease the amount of bread crumbs. Will probably try it one more time with a bit of tweaking before we give up on it altogether.
Gritty
11/08/2007 at 06:27pm
User: Kelly from Austin, TX User Rating:
I was really disappointed with this recipe. It was grainy and tasted "off" for macaroni. I ended up throwing all of it away. I'll never make it again
Amazing Mac n' Cheese!
11/08/2007 at 04:23pm
User: Katie from Chicago, IL User Rating:
This recipe blew me away. It was my first time making mac n' cheese from scratch and I will NEVER go back to the box again. I accidentally burned slightly the panko on top, but it still tasted great... like a grilled cheese sandwich. Yum. Don't miss this recipe! I can't wait to make it again!
Not Pleased
11/06/2007 at 02:00pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
I watched the episode for this recipe and it looked delicious... when I went to cook it, I was highly dissappointed. There wasn't enough cheese and the flavor just wasn't there. I've had a lot better.
Good basic recipe
11/02/2007 at 08:48pm
User: Anonymous User Rating:
This was my first time making homemade mac & cheese and I was pleased with the results. It is def. a good basic recipe that can be changed to suit taste or ingredients. I would use less onion (or chop finer) I liked the onion flavor but ran into too many onions while eating which took away from the "cheesiness". I also used regular plain breadcrumbs (not panko) and 1 cup was WAY too much - but that is understandable considering panko is much lighter than plain breadcrumbs.
Too much sauce..not enough pasta
11/02/2007 at 10:00am
User: Michelle from Mt. Pleasant, SC User Rating:
Not my favorite mac and cheese recipe...I prefer Ina's. Would not include the onions, more and varied cheeses, and less sauce to pasta ratio. Love AB but not this recipe.