Are you tired of the same old mac and cheese recipes that lack that extra oomph? Look no further! Today, we're going to delve into the world of John Legend’s mac and cheese recipe, a cherished family heirloom that promises to take your taste buds on an unforgettable journey. This easy - to - make baked pasta dish is a symphony of flavors, with a silky and custardy interior and a cheesy, crispy crust that will have you coming back for seconds, or even thirds.

First things first, let's gather the ingredients. You'll need elbow macaroni, which is the classic choice for mac and cheese. The shape of the elbow macaroni allows it to hold onto the cheesy sauce beautifully. For the cheese, you'll want a combination of sharp cheddar, which adds a tangy and bold flavor, and mozzarella, which gives that lovely stretchy texture. You'll also need some cream cheese, which is the secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and rich. Other essential ingredients include milk, butter, eggs, salt, pepper, and a touch of paprika for a bit of color and a hint of spice.

Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. Begin by boiling the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it's al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This is important because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven later. While the pasta is boiling, you can start preparing the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add a couple of tablespoons of flour. This is called a roux, and it's the base for the sauce. Whisk the flour and butter together until it forms a smooth paste. Then, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. As the milk heats up, it will start to thicken. Keep whisking until the sauce reaches a nice, creamy consistency.

Next, add the cream cheese to the sauce. Stir it in until it's completely melted and incorporated. Then, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You want the sauce to be well - balanced, with just the right amount of salt, pepper, and cheese flavor.

Now, it's time to combine the pasta and the sauce. Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce. Stir well to make sure all the pasta is coated with the sauce. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Then, slowly pour the beaten eggs into the pasta and sauce mixture, stirring gently. The eggs will help to bind the sauce and give it a custardy texture. Pour the pasta and sauce mixture into a baking dish. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top of the pasta. This will form the cheesy crust when it bakes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can also broil the dish for a couple of minutes at the end to make the crust extra crispy, but be careful not to burn it.

Once the mac and cheese is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to set a bit. Serve the mac and cheese hot, and you can garnish it with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color. This mac and cheese is not only delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or some garlic bread. It's the perfect comfort food for a family dinner, a potluck, or a lazy Sunday afternoon.

One of the great things about this recipe is that it's very versatile. You can customize it to suit your taste. If you like a spicier mac and cheese, you can add some jalapenos or hot sauce to the sauce. If you want to add some protein, you can mix in some cooked bacon or ham. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. For example, you could add some Gruyere or Parmesan for a more complex flavor.

In conclusion, John Legend’s mac and cheese recipe is a winner. It's easy to make, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is within your reach. So, go ahead and give it a try. Your taste buds will thank you!