Final answer:
The safety-recommended holding temperature for mac and cheese is 140°F or above. However, for baking, common oven temperatures range from 350°F to 375°F, ensuring the mac and cheese is cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.
Step-by-step explanation:
The maximum hot temperature for macaroni and cheese largely depends on the context in which it is served. For safety reasons, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that hot foods, such as mac and cheese, should be held at an internal temperature of 140°F or above to prevent foodborne illness. However, if you are baking mac and cheese in the oven, it is commonly done at temperatures ranging from 350°F to 375°F, and the cheese on top should be golden brown when it's properly cooked.