Y Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe
Introduction
Baked Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to golden perfection. This recipe uses a blend of cheeses and a luscious sauce that creates a rich, satisfying dish ideal for cozy dinners or sharing with family and friends.
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
- 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.
- Step 2: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them in a bowl, reserving half to sprinkle on top later.
- Step 3: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and stir in half the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly.
- Step 4: Slowly add evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then add the remaining spices and Dijon mustard. Stir to combine.
- Step 5: Add half of the cheese mixture to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta until evenly coated.
- Step 6: Layer half of the cheesy pasta in the casserole dish, sprinkle with half the reserved cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Step 7: Bake for about 30 minutes at 375°F. For a crispy golden top, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Try adding a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking for extra texture.
- Swap cavatappi with elbow macaroni, shells, or penne if preferred.
- Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or steamed broccoli before baking for a heartier dish.
- Use gluten-free flour in the roux to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Mix cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Parmesan to customize flavor and creaminess.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the sauce creamy. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for Baked Mac & Cheese?
Absolutely! Cavatappi works great for catching sauce, but elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are excellent alternatives. Just adjust cooking times to achieve al dente texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour in the roux with a gluten-free flour blend, and check that other ingredients are gluten-free. The sauce remains rich and creamy.
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Y Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Mac & Cheese combines a luscious blend of cheeses including colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar with a creamy sauce made from evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard. Enhanced by smoked paprika and garlic powder, the dish is baked to golden perfection for a comforting, gooey, and richly flavored meal that’s a beloved viral comfort food classic.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta
Cheeses
- 16 oz colby jack cheese, grated
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Bring salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them 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, stirring briefly. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling gently. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then mix in the remaining garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Stir half of the shredded cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Layer and Bake to Perfection: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy pasta, sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish by evenly sprinkling the leftover cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes, then broil for 3-4 minutes until the top is golden and crunchy.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Substitute cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Parmesan if colby jack or sharp cheddar aren’t available.
- Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or steamed broccoli for extra protein or veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for best texture or microwave in short bursts.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, chives, or crushed red pepper flakes for added freshness or heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Baked Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Cavatappi Mac and Cheese, Creamy Baked Pasta, Viral Recipe
