Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Eggs

This baked macaroni and cheese recipe with eggs is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich egg custard, it’s a dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.

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Baked Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

• 16 Ounces of Elbow Macaroni
• 1 Stick of Butter
• 1/2 Cup of Heavy Cream
• 1/4 Teaspoon of Onion Powder
• 8 Ounces of Cheddar Block Cheese 
• 2 Packages of Cheese Sauce
• 2 Eggs
• 1/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese 
• Dash of Salt & Black Pepper (Optional) 

How to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Eggs 

You will want to start with al dente pasta, do this by using a large pot and cooking elbow macaroni slightly less time than the box recommends. This can usually be done in about 6-8 minutes depending on the brand of elbow macaroni you purchase.

Cook Pasta

Once your macaroni is finished cooking, drain it and then return it to the saucepan. 

I use a prepackaged cheese sauce along with a mixture of cheddar and parmesan to make a delicious cheese mixture.

Make the Creamy Cheese

After draining and returning the cooked pasta to the saucepan, stir in the butter.

Mix the butter in the already heated pan, it should melt fairly quickly since the pot will retain the heat from cooking.

Pour the heavy cream, the cheese sauce pouch, and the onion powder into the cooked macaroni. 

In a separate bowl, add the egg and beat it. Just beat it.

How to Temper the Eggs

The next step is to temper the eggs. If you are not familiar with the tempering process, you basically just add a small amount of the heated cheese mixture to the egg.

A little bit at a time until the egg mixture has heated up slowly, eventually adding in all of the eggs.

This prevents the eggs from becoming scrambled eggs and keeps them gooey to make a creamy macaroni and cheese sauce. 

Mix the Ingredients

The next step is to mix the macaroni into the pan with the rest of the ingredients that have already been used.

Stir everything together, being careful not to destroy the macaroni, this can be difficult. This is especially true if you overcooked the macaroni or cooked it according to the directions and not directions for al dente. If this is the case, no need to panic, you can still have a good flavor, even without the best macaroni, the only difference will be that your macaroni mixture may be a little bit less chewy. The texture will change but overall the dish will still be delicious. 

Prepare to Bake Macaroni and Cheese

After mixing the macaroni mixture in the saucepan, pour the mixture into a baking dish. Shred the block of cheddar cheese, add it to the prepared baking dish and sprinkle parmesan cheese on top.

You can use slices of cheese if you prefer, but I like the way shredded cheese falls into the ends of each of the macaroni noodles. 

Bake the Macaroni and Cheese

Bake in a 13-inch baking dish at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.

Serve immediately. 

Customize Your Baked Mac and Cheese

Elevate your baked mac and cheese with countless customization options to suit your taste. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various ingredients to take this classic dish to new heights. Some of my favorite additions include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, dry mustard, and a dash of hot sauce. For a heartier version, try mixing in cooked ground beef—transforming this creamy side dish into a satisfying main course.

Mac and cheese is a dish with endless possibilities, and even small tweaks can completely transform the flavor profile. Adding protein like ground beef or shredded chicken is an easy way to turn this comfort food into a full meal.

For extra creaminess, you can incorporate ingredients like sour cream, cream cheese, or a blend of Monterey Jack, American cheese, or Pepper Jack into the cheese sauce. While I’ve experimented with many combinations, the recipe I’m sharing today delivers the best balance of flavors and textures.

No matter how you customize it, this baked mac and cheese will quickly become a family favorite.

Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Eggs

Making baked macaroni and cheese with eggs is simple, but a few common pitfalls can affect the final dish. Follow these tips to ensure success every time:

1. Cook the Macaroni Just Right

Overcooking the pasta is a common mistake. To avoid this, carefully read the cooking instructions on the box and set a timer to ensure the noodles are al dente. This will help your macaroni maintain its texture when baked.

2. Season to Taste

Salt and pepper quantities can vary based on personal preference. Start with a small dash and adjust as needed. For a lighter salt flavor, consider using unsalted butter in the recipe. I prefer to season conservatively, as my husband enjoys more salt than I do, allowing everyone to customize their serving as desired.

3. Cheese Substitutions

If you’d rather skip using a cheese packet, replace it with additional sharp cheddar cheese. Sharp cheddar brings a rich, tangy flavor that elevates this dish. Be sure to add in some moisture if needed, try butter and heavy cream or evaporated milk. If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to add extra cheese for an even creamier texture.

4. Prevent Burning or Over-Crisping

Worried about burning the top of your baked mac and cheese? Simply cover the dish with aluminum foil during baking to prevent it from browning too much. However, if you prefer a crispy, golden crust, skip the foil and enjoy the crunch!

These small adjustments can make a big difference, helping you create the best baked macaroni and cheese every time. Whether you like it creamy, cheesy, or topped with a crispy layer, this recipe is easy to tailor to your tastes.

How to Store & Reheat this Macaroni and Cheese Recipe 

One of my favorite lunches to have is macaroni and cheese leftover from last night. It’s a quick way to enjoy this macaroni and cheese, with little effort when it is served as a leftover.

The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to storing homemade macaroni and cheese is to keep it in an airtight container.

This dish can become dry and not reheat as well over time, this is especially true if it was not stored properly. If this happens, add a little bit of milk or heavy cream to the dish before reheating. The amount you will need to add will vary depending on the amount of leftover macaroni and cheese you are reheating. 

When deciding how much liquid to add into your leftover macaroni and cheese dish, start small and add more if needed. When reheating, do this in small increments and add a little bit more liquid at a time, after small intervals in the microwave. Stir the dish well in between each addition of liquid. 

You can add more cheese to this dish before microwaving. Try adding a bit of sour cream to give it a creamy texture after it has dried out in the refrigerator overnight. If you have an air fryer, this may be the best way to reheat this dish quickly without getting the oven involved.

Sometimes I just want a quick meal so I just pop it in the microwave. With the little addition of liquid (milk, butter, or heavy cream works great) I have found this to be a delicious leftover. 

Inspiration for this Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe with Eggs

When I was a kid, like many kids, my favorite food was macaroni and cheese. Unlike many kids though, my favorite version didn’t come from a box. The dish that had me drooling was a southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe that my Aunt Brenda used to make.

She used a variety of cheeses when making this great recipe, each time a different combination possibly due to what she had on hand, to make her southern mac.

Sometimes I would observe what she was doing in hopes of learning a thing or two but I had found that to be counterproductive. This was because what she did this time was going to be different next time and there was really no way to copy her exact method. Somehow every time she served this dish during the holiday season, it was better than what I remembered from the previous year. 

She always had a way with food and some of my favorite recipes came from her kitchen. She has shared so many recipes with me over the years but my favorites were always her unique mac n cheese recipes. In my opinion, Aunt Brenda’s recipe puts the famous Paula Deen recipe to shame and the whole family loves it, so I think they would agree. 

Unfortunately, my great Aunt Brenda is no longer around to share recipes but I still think of her every time I make my this easy macaroni and cheese or whenever I make my favorite version of her southern-style macaroni and cheese.

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