Dinner

Y Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

y Baked Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that’s perfect for cozy meals. This recipe combines a blend of cheeses and a rich, velvety sauce baked to golden perfection. It’s easy to make and delivers comforting flavors in every bite.

A close-up view of a cheesy macaroni and cheese bake showing a thick, golden brown crust on top with small browned spots. The macaroni underneath looks creamy and gooey with melted cheese stretching as a slice is lifted, revealing tightly packed pasta tubes covered in smooth, melted white and yellow cheese layers. The dish is in a white dish with a white marbled surface in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 and set aside.
Step 2: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them in a bowl and reserve half to use as a topping later.
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, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly bubbling.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, preventing lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard.
Step 5: Add half the shredded cheese to the sauce and stir until melted. Fold in the cooked pasta until coated evenly.
Step 6: In the casserole dish, layer half the cheesy pasta mixture, sprinkle half the reserved cheese, then add the remaining pasta. Top with the rest of the cheese.
Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. For a crunchy golden top, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses for balanced flavor and meltability.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and taste.
Stir in a little hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Substitute evaporated milk with whole milk if preferred, adjusting thickness accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a creamy macaroni and cheese being lifted, showing three layers: the top layer is golden brown with a slightly crunchy melted cheese crust, the middle layer is a rich, smooth, and gooey cheese sauce coating the elbow-shaped macaroni, and the bottom layer blends seamlessly with the middle, full of cheesy pasta. Strings of warm melted cheese stretch between the lifted portion and the dish below. The dish is in a white pan set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any sturdy pasta like elbow macaroni, penne, or rigatoni works well to hold the cheese sauce.

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being dry?

Be sure not to overcook the pasta initially since it will bake further. Also, the cream sauce should be smooth and creamy before baking, and you can add a little extra milk or cream if needed before serving.