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

Scale

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