Mac and Cheese Calculator

How much mac and cheese do you need for Thanksgiving, Christmas, a potluck or a party? Enter your guests to scale a classic baked macaroni and cheese and see the pasta, butter, flour, milk, cheese and pans. Batches are rounded up.

One batch (classic baked recipe)

• 1 lb elbow macaroni, boiled 2 minutes short of al dente
• 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) butter and 1/4 cup flour for the roux
• 3 cups milk, whisked in and simmered until thick
• 1 lb cheddar (about 4 cups shredded), stirred in off the heat; salt, pepper and a pinch of mustard powder
• Optional topping: 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter

One batch fills a 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350°F for about 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest sauce.

Quick reference (side dish)

FAQ

How much mac and cheese per person?

As a side, plan about 2 oz of dry macaroni per person, so 1 lb of pasta serves about 8. As a main dish, plan about 3 oz dry per person, so 1 lb serves about 5 to 6.

How much mac and cheese for 20 people?

As a side, 20 people need 3 batches: 3 lb elbow macaroni, 1 1/2 sticks butter, 3/4 cup flour, 9 cups milk and 3 lb (12 cups) shredded cheddar, baked in three 9x13 inch pans.

How much cheese for 1 lb of macaroni?

A classic baked mac and cheese uses about 1 lb (4 cups shredded) of cheese per 1 lb of dry macaroni, in a sauce of 4 tbsp butter, 1/4 cup flour and 3 cups milk.

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