John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese Recipes (2024)

  • Food
  • John Legend

By Erin Cullum

Updated on 1/2/2017 at 7:00 PM

In the Chrissy Teigen and John Legend family, Chrissy is the master chef, except — according to John — when it comes to mac and cheese. John's famous macaroni and cheese recipe has over 600,000 shares, so you know he's doing something right, but when I came across Chrissy's own recipe in her cookbook, Cravings, I was immediately struck by the hilarious dis only she could deliver with an equal dose of sass and love:

This is MY mac and cheese, dammit. Everyone is allllllways asking, begging John to make his mac and cheese and if I may be frank here for a moment: I DON'T GET IT.

I will admit, I like it too, but I prefer a creamy, saucy mac. Mac and cheese that you give to your friends to take home in Tupperware, not sliced and wrapped in foil like a brick.

OK, so maybe I'm bitter. Every single time he makes his mac and cheese, people lose it, like he literally invented mac and cheese. Why? It's because he is a brilliant, handsome, kind, wonderful f*cking human being who is incredibly talented and famous who happens to make a good mac and cheese. It's one more talent and whoa we did not see this coming. AMAZE.

I'm sorry, John. I love you so, so much and you are absolutely perfect. My dream man. You write songs about me, love me endlessly, you clean, you help me unpack, and you are a wonderful dog father.

But my mac is better. If you want to try his, google it. These pages are expensive.

Damn. Here at POPSUGAR Food, we take macaroni and cheese very seriously, so we knew what we had to do: a Chrissy Teigen vs. John Legend mac and cheese taste test. Based on the recipes I've already tried from Chrissy (lemony arugula spaghetti cacio e pepe and chicken pot pie soup), I'm a believer in everything she says (I'm also kind of obsessed with her, so I might be a little biased), but I decided to pull for her recipe from the beginning. My editor took on the task of making John's recipe for the first time, and we brought both into the office for a blind taste test with tons of co-workers.

Meet the Contenders:

John Legend's Macaroni and Cheese

What makes it special: A huge amount of milk and cheese (psst, there are two cans of evaporated milk in here) makes this elbow mac ultrarich and cheesy. It's more of a traditional casserole-like macaroni and cheese that you can slice into squares (hence Chrissy's "brick" comment). A combination of cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, and paprika make it flavorful while letting the simplicity shine. This is like the mac and cheese you would find at a potluck that everyone would eat and really enjoy, but they wouldn't be talking about it the next week.

Chrissy's Mac and Cheese With Cheesy Garlic Breadcrumbs

What makes it special: Hellooo, cheesy garlic breadcrumbs that I am now going to make regularly and put on everything! If you're into more-classic mac and hate garlic, this might not be the recipe for you, but if you are into flavor overload and perfection, I suggest you find the nearest copy of Cravings, turn to page 90, and make this immediately. Not only is the top golden brown and crunchy, but the center is oozing with a smooth cheese sauce made of a combination of sharp cheddar, gruyère, and American cheese (trust me, I was skeptical about that last cheese, but it really works here). There's also a dash of cayenne pepper that yields just the right amount of spice. This is what you would make for a dinner party with your closest friends, and no one would leave without asking you for the recipe.

The Taste-Off

Spoiler alert: Chrissy's is the clear winner. While no one could deny that John's basic macaroni and cheese is good, it just doesn't stand a chance against Chrissy's elevated flavors and cheesy shells. Here's a sampling of some of the comments on each.

Chrissy's:

  • "OMG!! Life is complete."
  • "I think I levitated a little and heard the hum of an angel when I had it."
  • "The texture, spice, flavor, and large shells really make this mac the winner."
  • "Garlic cheese explosion — those breadcrumbs are a perfect complement. The cheese sticks in and around the shells to make a ravioli effect."
  • "WTF. Everything . . . especially the garlic breadcrumbs and sharp cheddar sauce."
  • "Perfection."

★★★★★
John's:

  • "Super cheesy and rich; very traditional. Sort of wish there was more spice."
  • "Standard. Very classic."
  • "Typical mac and cheese you'd find at the Thanksgiving table."
  • "Classic mac. Nothing special."
  • "This would make an awesome side dish. I want it with some spicy fried chicken and collard greens."
  • "This is pretty standard mac and cheese. Nothing too life-changing but great."

★★★☆

And the people have spoken. Crunchy, garlicky, cheesy perfection wins over tradition. John, you can have your Grammy awards, but Chrissy Teigen 100 percent wins the mac and cheese award.

We've decided there's only one last thing to do: combine the two. We're going to call it John and Chrissy's mac and cheese baby — baby Luna mac and cheese, if you will (stay tuned).

  • John Legend
  • Macaroni and Cheese
  • Chrissy Teigen
  • Food Reviews
  • Chrissy Teigen Food
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Is Chrissy Teigen's mac and cheese good? ›

While I have a go-to baked mac and cheese, it is admittedly drier than stovetop versions, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but Chrissy Teigen's recipe morphs the best of both worlds – the actual macaroni and cheese stays super creamy and saucy even after being baked, AND it's topped with the most amazing homemade ...

Why use evaporated milk in mac and cheese? ›

The second big key was to use evaporated milk as the base liquid. Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

How to make Gordon Ramsay mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Is it OK to eat Kraft Mac and Cheese everyday? ›

Depending on how it's prepared, it can be energy-dense (higher in calories, lower in nutrients). That means it's best as an occasional food, not a pantry staple. For example, Kraft Mac and Cheese calories are pretty high (350 per one-cup serving).

What happens if you use heavy cream instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

Heavy cream is, in my opinion, the best milk substitute for kraft mac and cheese. It's thicker and more luxurious than milk, so I actually think this makes a better end result! just add the heavy whipping cream in the same way you would add the milk.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

What happens if you use evaporated milk instead of milk? ›

For a creamy taste without the cream, try evaporated (canned) milk! Evaporated milk is made by removing water from fresh milk and then heating it. Heating the milk gives it the creamy, slightly cooked taste and darker colour. When mixed with an equal amount of water, it can be substituted for fresh milk in recipes.

What not to do when making mac and cheese? ›

Here's what several experts say are the biggest mistakes when it comes to making macaroni and cheese at home and how to avoid making them.
  1. Using Only Cheddar cheese. ...
  2. Not Adding Spice and Seasoning with Salt. ...
  3. Choosing the Wrong Pasta. ...
  4. Overcooking. ...
  5. Skimping on the Toppings.
May 21, 2020

What can I add to homemade mac and cheese to give it more flavor? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What scent does John Legend wear? ›

John Legend, the multifaceted talent celebrated for his music and more, has an unwavering devotion to Black Orchid by Tom Ford. Reflecting on his journey with the scent, he recalls, “I bought this cologne one time when I was at a Tom Ford store many years ago, and now it's my only scent.”

Is John Legend a Millionaire? ›

John Legend's bank account is stacked. According to Celebrity Net Worth, the Grammy-winning singer has a $100 million net worth. This should not come as a surprise, as John has sold more than 7 million records worldwide, per Best Selling Albums. John also got a big bag from selling his music catalog in 2022.

Why is Chrissy Teigen rich? ›

The TV personality and her husband, John Legend, have a combined net worth of $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. While Legend's income accounts for a portion, Teigen has earned more than $10 million from modeling gigs, endorsem*nts and TV projects.

Why am I craving mac and cheese while pregnant? ›

“In the third trimester our brain starts shrinking and baby's brain is expanding,” Brighten said, and the human brain is 60 percent fat. So hunger for foods like mac and cheese could also be “about getting higher amounts of fat.”

Is Annie's better than Kraft? ›

The Annie's version and the Kraft version are very, very similar when it comes down to the nutrition facts. Annie's has 1 additional gram of fiber per serving, 1 less gram of fiber per serving, less iron per serving, and 1 gram more saturated fat.

Which is better for mac and cheese? ›

Sharp: Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger taste. Remember this variety takes a bit more heat to melt. Mild: Mild cheddar has been aged for a short time, giving it subtle flavors and a smooth melting texture. Medium: Medium cheddar is the ideal compromise between sharp and mild varieties.

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