Does Mac and Cheese Have Egg In It? A Closer Look at the Ingredients

November 10, 2025 •

3 min read

With hundreds of years of history, macaroni and cheese has evolved into countless variations, each with a unique recipe and ingredient list. A frequent question for those with dietary restrictions or allergies is: Does mac and cheese have egg in it? The answer is not always straightforward, as it depends on whether the dish is homemade or a store-bought mix.

Quick Summary

Determining if mac and cheese contains egg hinges on its preparation. While many homemade baked recipes rely on eggs for a dense, custard-like texture, the vast majority of commercial stovetop boxed mixes are prepared without egg. This distinction is vital for those concerned with egg allergies or following a vegan diet.

Key Points

Homemade Recipes Vary: Some homemade mac and cheese recipes, especially baked casserole versions, use eggs to create a dense, custardy texture.
Boxed Mixes are Generally Egg-Free: Most standard stovetop boxed mac and cheese dinners, like Kraft, do not contain egg in the cheese sauce mix.
Thickening Alternatives Exist: Egg-free mac and cheese is thickened using other methods, most commonly a roux made from butter and flour.
Always Check the Label: For processed foods or specialty items like mac and cheese bites, read the ingredients list to verify egg content.
Eggs Act as a Binder: In recipes that include them, eggs serve as a binder to help the casserole set and hold its shape after baking.
Customization Can Add Egg: Some recipes that start with an egg-free boxed mix may add an egg as a supplemental ingredient.
Custardy vs. Creamy: The presence of egg often means a denser, firmer, sliceable mac and cheese, while egg-free versions are typically creamier and saucier.

The Core Difference: Homemade Baked vs. Boxed Mixes

When it comes to the classic comfort food, the presence of egg is the key distinction between many homemade versions and their packaged counterparts. Understanding this fundamental difference is the first step in knowing what's in your dish.

Eggs in Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Traditional homemade baked mac and cheese recipes, especially those of the Southern style, often include eggs as a core ingredient. The egg is typically whisked with milk or cream and poured over the macaroni and cheese mixture before baking. In the oven's heat, the egg cooks and sets, creating a rich, dense, and custardy texture that holds its shape, allowing it to be served in slices. This process is similar to how eggs are used in a quiche or bread pudding.

Recipes that include eggs generally fall into the baked casserole category, where the egg acts as a binder to solidify the ingredients. For those new to baking with eggs in a cheese sauce, 'tempering' the eggs by gradually incorporating hot sauce into the beaten egg is crucial to prevent scrambling.

Egg-Free Boxed Mac and Cheese

Conversely, most popular boxed mac and cheese mixes, such as Kraft Original, do not contain egg in their standard ingredient list. These products are designed for quick and easy stovetop preparation. Instead of relying on eggs for thickening, the powdered cheese sauce mix, when combined with milk and butter, uses ingredients like whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate to achieve a creamy consistency. Therefore, if you are relying on a standard boxed mix, you can generally assume it is egg-free, but it's always best to check the label for confirmation.

How Thickening Agents Shape Mac and Cheese

The presence or absence of eggs is directly tied to the desired final texture of the mac and cheese. Different recipes use different thickening methods, which is why the ingredient profile can vary so much. Here’s a breakdown of common techniques:

Roux-Based Sauce (Egg-Free): Many creamy, stovetop homemade recipes start with a roux, a cooked mixture of butter and flour. Milk is then added to the roux to create a thick white sauce, or béchamel, before the cheese is stirred in. This method provides a smooth, velvety sauce without needing eggs.
Custard-Based Sauce (Egg-Inclusive): As mentioned, baked casseroles use beaten eggs to create a firm, sliceable dish. The eggs form a custard that binds the macaroni and cheese together when baked.
Starch-Based Thickening (Egg-Free): Simple stovetop versions might use a combination of starches and dairy (like evaporated milk) to create a sauce. Cooking the pasta in a measured amount of water can also release starches that help emulsify and thicken the final sauce.
Add-Ins for Creaminess (Often Egg-Free): Some recipes achieve richness and creaminess with additions like cream cheese or sour cream, completely avoiding the need for eggs as a binder.

Important Considerations for Dietary Needs

For individuals with an egg allergy or those following a vegan or ovo-lacto vegetarian diet, knowing the egg content is critical. Boxed mac and cheese mixes are often a safer bet for egg allergies, but processed products like mac and cheese bites or specialized mixes may list eggs as an ingredient. Always read the label. For a vegan alternative, there are many recipes and products available that substitute dairy and eggs with plant-based ingredients.

Comparison of Mac and Cheese Varieties


Feature	Homemade (Baked Casserole)	Homemade (Stovetop)	Boxed (Kraft Original)	Specialty (Trader Joe's Bites)
Egg Content	Often contains egg	Typically no egg	No egg in the sauce mix	May contain egg
Thickening Method	Egg custard or roux	Roux (butter & flour)	Starch-based sauce mix	Varies by product
Final Texture	Firm, custardy, sliceable	Creamy, loose sauce	Creamy, pliable sauce	Solid, breaded bites
Allergy Info	Check the recipe	Recipes are often egg-free	Standard mix is egg-free; check for cross-contamination	Check the specific product label
Preparation	Baking required	Stovetop, quick cook	Stovetop, very quick	Prepared meal, heats quickly

Conclusion

Does mac and cheese have egg in it? The definitive answer is that it depends entirely on the recipe or product. While traditional baked casseroles often use eggs for a dense, custardy result, most convenient stovetop boxed mixes are free of egg. For anyone managing an egg allergy or sticking to a vegan diet, reading the ingredient label is non-negotiable, even for pre-packaged items that seem harmless. By understanding the different preparation methods, you can confidently choose the mac and cheese that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the standard powdered cheese sauce mix in Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese does not contain egg. However, some recipes using Kraft as a base may call for adding an egg, so it's always best to check the recipe or label if you have dietary concerns.

Eggs are used in many baked mac and cheese recipes to act as a binder. When baked, the eggs create a custard-like mixture that helps the casserole set and hold its shape, resulting in a firm, dense consistency.

To make mac and cheese without eggs, you can use a roux (a cooked paste of flour and butter) to thicken the sauce. Other methods include using evaporated milk, cream cheese, or simply relying on the starches released from cooking the pasta to help thicken the sauce.

Most standard boxed mac and cheese mixes do not contain egg in the cheese sauce powder, making them a generally safe choice. However, there is a risk of cross-contamination during manufacturing, and for severe allergies, always check the label for allergen information. For products like mac and cheese bites, egg may be listed as an ingredient.

Mac and cheese with egg typically has a denser, firmer, and more custardy texture that sets and can be sliced. Egg-free mac and cheese, especially stovetop versions, tends to be creamier and looser with a smoother sauce.

It is essential to check the ingredients list on any frozen or pre-made mac and cheese products. Some, like Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese Bites, explicitly state that they contain egg, while others may not. Label reading is the safest approach.

Yes, it is possible to bake mac and cheese without eggs. Many recipes accomplish this by using a roux-based béchamel sauce that thickens enough on its own. For extra creaminess, some recipes add ingredients like evaporated milk or cream cheese.