Description

This y Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food recipe featuring cavatappi pasta baked in a luscious, creamy blend of Colby Jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Infused with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard, the dish is layered and baked to golden perfection, delivering gooey, cheesy satisfaction with a subtle smoky tang and rich texture.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheese Blend

16 oz Colby Jack cheese, grated
8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Spices & Flavorings

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Dairy & Fats

3 tablespoons salted butter
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 cups heavy cream

Instructions

Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish to prevent sticking. While the oven warms, boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente — firm yet tender — since it will cook more during baking.
Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Grate the Colby Jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them in a bowl, reserving half for topping the casserole later, ensuring balanced cheesy flavor throughout.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard to add tang and depth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Once the sauce is smooth and thickened, stir in half of the cheese blend until melted and glossy. Fold in the drained pasta, coating every piece in the rich cheese sauce, preparing it for baking.
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 evenly with the remaining cheese. Bake at 375°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly. For a golden, crunchy finish, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes. Serve hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

Notes

Use cavatappi pasta or any other spiral pasta for maximum sauce adherence.
Grate cheese fresh for better melting and flavor.
Be careful not to overcook the pasta initially; it should be al dente as it will cook more in the oven.
Stir the sauce continuously when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps.
Broiling at the end helps create a crispy, golden crust without drying out the mac and cheese.

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

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, cheesy mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy pasta, cavatappi mac and cheese, smoky mac and cheese, viral recipe