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Homemade macaroni and cheese Calories
Source of protein and calcium from cheese
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 cup (medium) of Homemade macaroni and cheese (220 g) has 361 calories. That works out to 164 calories per 100 g. It contains 40.7 g of carbs, 15.6 g of protein, 15.6 g of fat and 2 g of fiber. Its 33 µg of Selenium covers 60% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 58 (medium), so it raises blood sugar at a moderate pace.
Homemade macaroni and cheese Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 cup (medium) · 220 g
361
KCAL / 220G
Carbs
40.7g
· 15% DV
Protein
15.6g
· 31% DV
Fat
15.6g
· 20% DV
Fiber
2g
· 7% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 45% · Protein 17% · Fat 38%
Homemade macaroni and cheese nutrition facts table · 1 cup (medium) (220 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 361 kcal | |
| Total fat | 15.6 g | 20% |
| Saturated fat | 9.13 g | 46% |
| Trans fat | 0.42 g | |
| Sodium | 891 mg | 39% |
| Total carbohydrate | 40.7 g | 15% |
| Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Protein | 15.6 g | 31% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Homemade macaroni and cheese?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (medium) | 220 g | 361 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 164 kcal |
| ½ cup (small) | 110 g | 180 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 180 g | 295 kcal |
| 1 piece (medium) | 250 g | 410 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 300 g | 492 kcal |
| 1.5 cup (large) | 330 g | 541 kcal |
| 2 cup (extra large) | 440 g | 722 kcal |
Calculated from 164 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade macaroni and cheese
How do you make homemade macaroni and cheese?
Homemade macaroni and cheese is made by tossing cooked macaroni with a melted cheese sauce. For a simple sauce, melt butter, stir in flour and milk until smooth, then add grated cheese off the heat and mix with the pasta.
What cheese is best for homemade macaroni and cheese?
Cheddar is a popular choice for homemade macaroni and cheese because it brings a familiar sharp flavor and melts well when freshly grated. Combining it with a milder melting cheese can make the sauce smoother without masking the cheddar taste.
Why does homemade macaroni and cheese turn out grainy?
Homemade macaroni and cheese often turns grainy when the cheese gets too hot or is added to a rapidly boiling sauce. Take the sauce off the heat before stirring in freshly grated cheese, and warm it gently afterward if needed.
How do you keep homemade macaroni and cheese creamy when reheating it?
Add a splash of milk before reheating homemade macaroni and cheese, then warm it gently while stirring. The pasta absorbs sauce as it sits, so low heat and a little added liquid help restore a creamy texture without scorching the cheese.
Can you freeze homemade macaroni and cheese?
Yes, homemade macaroni and cheese can be frozen, though the sauce may separate slightly after thawing. Cool it promptly, freeze it in airtight portions, and reheat it gently with a little milk while stirring to bring the sauce back together.
How long does homemade macaroni and cheese last in the fridge?
Homemade macaroni and cheese keeps for about three to four days in the refrigerator when stored in a covered container. Refrigerate it promptly after cooking, and reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Can you bake homemade macaroni and cheese without boiling the pasta first?
Yes, homemade macaroni and cheese can be baked with uncooked pasta if the recipe includes enough hot liquid and the dish is covered while baking. Check that the pasta is tender before uncovering it to brown the top.
What can you add to homemade macaroni and cheese?
Broccoli, peas, roasted vegetables, or cooked bacon are common additions to homemade macaroni and cheese. Stir cooked vegetables into the sauce before serving, or scatter them through the pasta so each portion gets an even mix.
What should you serve with homemade macaroni and cheese?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables go well with homemade macaroni and cheese because their fresh, savory flavors balance its rich cheese sauce. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or beans.
How do you stop homemade macaroni and cheese from drying out in the oven?
Keep homemade macaroni and cheese moist by making the sauce slightly looser than you want it at serving, since pasta absorbs liquid as it bakes. Cover the dish for most of the baking time, then uncover it briefly to brown the top.
Homemade macaroni and cheese Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
0.92µg · 38% DV
B2
0.42mg · 32% DV
Biotin
9.02µg · 30% DV
B1
0.24mg · 20% DV
Minerals
Selenium
33µg · 60% DV
Phosphorus
348mg · 50% DV
Sodium
891mg · 39% DV
Calcium
374mg · 37% DV
Potassium ⭐
255mg · 8% DV
Homemade macaroni and cheese Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Homemade macaroni and cheese
To burn the 361 calories in 1 cup (medium) (220 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Homemade macaroni and cheese?
Homemade macaroni and cheese combines cooked pasta with a cheese sauce, usually made on the stovetop and sometimes baked until golden on top. It is especially familiar in the United States and the UK, though home cooks adapt it with different cheeses and pasta shapes.
Creamy, savoury and filling, it is commonly served as a main dish or side, often alongside a green salad or vegetables. Cheese contributes protein and calcium; a 100 g portion has 7.1 g of protein. For a lighter meal, use a modest amount of sauce and add vegetables, or serve a smaller portion with a fresh salad.
How Nutritious Is Homemade macaroni and cheese?
Nutrient density
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Homemade macaroni and cheese Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Homemade macaroni and cheese Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Homemade macaroni and cheese Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
✓ Suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
— Not suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Homemade macaroni and cheese Fat Profile
SATURATED
9.13g
MONOUNSATURATED
4.09g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.68g
Omega 6:3 ratio 4.8:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (4.8:1).
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.