Why Mac & Cheese Deserves a Place in Your Memory-Bake Repertoire

by Alisha Madeline | Grief to Gratitude Chef

There’s something about mac & cheese that feels like family. Creamy, comforting, reliable. This July 14, on National Mac & Cheese Day, I was struck by how this simple dish ties me back to childhood, ritual, and grief-healing spaces.

Jump to Recipe

1. Comfort in Simplicity

   • Memories of Mom’s mac & cheese bubbling in a stoneware dish—no fuss, just love.

2. How Cooking Heals

   • Stirring is meditative. Each scoop grounds us in legacy and presence.

3. Building Your Memory Bake

   • A few prompts: pick a dish that lights nostalgia, note the smells and emotions, share it with someone.

Want to explore your own memory bake? Start with today’s ritual—whip up your dish, journal about what surfaces, then join us here. Curious where to begin? Take my Find Your Baking Ritual quiz

Mama Robin's Mac & Cheese 🧀

Ingredients:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk (warm)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar

• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.

2. Boil pasta until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 min to form a roux.

4. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Add seasonings.

5. Once thickened, stir in cheeses (reserving a little cheddar for topping).

6. Off heat, stir in the egg if using. Mix cheese sauce with pasta.

7. Pour into baking dish. Top with reserved cheese and breadcrumbs.

8. Bake uncovered 25–30 min or until golden and bubbly.

Optional soul sprinkle: Say a name, hum a song, or whisper a prayer while stirring 🤎