Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying golden crust. This recipe uses a blend of cheeses and a rich sauce to create a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It’s simple to make yet impressively delicious.

Ingredients

• 16 oz cavatappi pasta
• 16 oz colby jack cheese
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
2. Step 2: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Mix them together and set aside half for topping later.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add half the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling gently. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard.
4. Step 4: Add half the cheese mixture to the sauce and stir until melted. Fold in the cooked pasta, coating it evenly with the cheese sauce.
5. Step 5: Layer half of the cheesy pasta in the casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta. Finish with the rest of the cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of whole milk or additional heavy cream to the sauce.
• Try adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions for a savory twist.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
• Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top for an extra crispy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping, or microwave covered for a quicker option but with softer crust.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, feel free to swap or add your favorite cheeses like gouda, parmesan, or Monterey Jack to change the flavor profile. Just keep a balance of melty and sharp cheeses for best results.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the mac and cheese in the casserole dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking directly from cold.

Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 123 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food classic, featuring creamy, cheesy layers made from a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. With its rich sauce infused with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, and perfectly baked to golden, gooey perfection, this dish delivers warm, indulgent satisfaction in every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheese

• 16 oz colby jack cheese, shredded
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Sauce Components

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 12 oz evaporated milk (1 can)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Flour (for roux, estimated 2 tablespoons)

---

Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Shred the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Mix them together in a bowl and set aside half for topping later.
3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika, and whisk in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbling gently. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Bring sauce to a low boil, then stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese mix to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta, coating it thoroughly in the cheese sauce.
5. Layer and Bake to Perfection: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy pasta mixture, sprinkle with half of the reserved cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the remaining cheese. Bake for about 30 minutes at 375°F, then broil for 3-4 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.

Notes

• Use salted butter to enhance the flavor base of your sauce.
• Cooking pasta al dente is crucial since it will continue to cook while baking.
• Broiling at the end ensures a golden, crunchy cheese crust.
• Feel free to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
• Substitute cheeses if necessary but retain a balance for meltiness and sharpness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cavatappi pasta, cheesy pasta bake, smoky mac and cheese