Y Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe
Introduction
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this y Baked Mac & Cheese recipe. Featuring a blend of creamy cheeses and a hint of smoky paprika, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
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 for 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 and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling gently.
- Step 4: Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then add the remaining spices and Dijon mustard, stirring well.
- Step 5: Stir half the cheese mixture into the sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta until fully coated.
- Step 6: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half the cheesy pasta mixture, sprinkle with half the reserved cheese, then add the remaining pasta. Finish with the remaining cheese on top.
- Step 7: Bake for 30 minutes at 375°F. For a golden crust, broil for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked gouda instead of smoked paprika for a stronger smoky flavor.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra savory depth.
- Substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk for a lighter version.
- For a crispy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle before baking.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, sturdy pastas like elbow macaroni, rigatoni, or penne work well to hold the cheesy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
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Y Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A luscious and comforting baked mac and cheese featuring cavatappi pasta layered with a blend of three cheeses—colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar—in a creamy, smoky sauce enriched with evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a hint of smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. This viral comfort food recipe delivers a perfectly baked cheesy casserole with a golden, crunchy top and gooey interior.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta
Cheeses
- 16 oz colby jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
- Flour (amount not specified, estimated 3 tablespoons for roux)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente—firm yet tender—as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Grate and Mix Your Cheeses: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them in a bowl and set aside half the mixture for topping the casserole later.
- 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 (approximately 3 tablespoons) to form a roux and cook it gently for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, continually stirring to avoid lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then stir in the remaining garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard to add depth and brightness.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce with Cheese: Stir half of the shredded cheese mixture into the thickened sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked cavatappi pasta, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Layer and Bake to Perfection: In the prepared casserole dish, layer half of the cheesy pasta mixture, then sprinkle half of the reserved shredded cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese evenly distributed over the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly, then broil for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden, crunchy crust. Remove from oven and let sit briefly before serving.
Notes
- Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial as it will continue to cook in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
- Using a roux-based sauce ensures a smooth and creamy cheese sauce without lumps.
- Broiling at the end gives the mac and cheese a desirable golden crust and extra texture contrast.
- Feel free to swap out cheeses or add a pinch of cayenne for heat if desired.
- Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
- 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 casserole, creamy mac and cheese, smoky paprika mac and cheese
