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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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