Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe Condensed Milk

Combine sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and spices to make a rich custard base.

Toss hot elbow macaroni with the sauce and freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese.

Bake the dish covered at 350 degrees Fahrenheit then uncover to brown the top.

Rest the casserole for 15 minutes to let the sauce thicken before serving.

Gather ingredients for condensed milk macaroni

Dairy and Pasta

Start with a 16-ounce box of dried elbow macaroni. Curved shapes hold sauce best. You need sharp cheddar cheese. It melts well and provides strong flavor. Colby jack or mozzarella adds a gooey texture. The star ingredient is one can of sweetened condensed milk. Use full-fat for the richest results. Do not substitute with evaporated milk. The sugar in condensed milk aids browning. Crack two large eggs. They act as a binder to set the custard.

• 16 oz dried elbow macaroni
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Seasonings and Toppings

Butter adds necessary fat. Use unsalted butter to control sodium levels. Ground mustard powder boosts cheesy notes without overpowering. White pepper works if you want no black specks. Salt brings all flavors together. Breadcrumbs create a crunchy crust.

Quick Measurement Guide

Prepare the rich cheese sauce base

Whisk the Liquid Custard

Use a large mixing bowl. Crack the eggs into it. Whisk vigorously until yolks break and blend completely. Pour in the entire can of sweetened condensed milk. Stir until the mixture is smooth and consistent. This liquid base replaces traditional béchamel. It provides sweetness and richness.

Season the Base

Add dry spices directly to the bowl. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Paprika offers color. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk again to distribute spices evenly. Taste the mixture. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Incorporate Melted Butter

Melt the butter separately. You can use a microwave or stovetop. Slowly drizzle the hot butter into the cool milk mixture. Whisk constantly while pouring. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling. It creates a velvety emulsion.

Essential Tips

• Use room temperature eggs for better emulsification.
• Whisk fast to incorporate air into the base.
• Do not over-salt; the cheese and condensed milk are naturally savory-sweet.

Seasoning Ratios

Assemble pasta and sauce for baking

Combine Pasta and Custard Base

Cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain the water completely. Do not rinse the noodles. Return hot pasta to the cooking pot or a large bowl. Pour the condensed milk and egg mixture over the noodles. Toss vigorously to coat. The residual heat from the pasta warms the eggs safely.

Mix in the Cheese

Add three-quarters of your shredded sharp cheddar. Stir until the cheese begins to melt into the sauce. The mixture should look thick and creamy. Save the remaining cheese for the topping. This ensures a distinct crust.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Preheat the oven. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish generously with butter. Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the dish. Spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top. Dot the surface with extra butter slices for richness.

• Use a deep dish to prevent bubbling over.
• Ensure sauce covers all pasta to avoid dry edges.

Assembly Order

Bake until bubbly and golden brown

Set Oven Temperature and Cover

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial. The foil traps steam. It helps the custard set without drying out the pasta. Place the dish on the center rack.

Baking Stages

Bake the covered dish for 30 to 40 minutes. Remove the foil carefully. Hot steam will escape. Return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 15 to 20 minutes. Check the edges. The cheese sauce should be bubbling vigorously. The top layer of cheese must look melted and slightly browned. The condensed milk will caramelize at the edges, adding depth.

Broil for a Crispy Top

If you crave a crunch, use the broiler. Set the oven to high heat. Place the dish under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch it constantly. The high sugar content in the condensed milk burns quickly. Remove once the top reaches a deep golden color.

Baking Timeline

Rest Before Serving

Let the dish stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Do not skip this. The sauce needs time to thicken and set. Cutting too early results in a runny casserole.