Description
A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese baked to golden perfection, ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or any comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Gradually add milk while whisking, letting the sauce thicken.
- Stir in the cheese trio, seasonings, and Dijon mustard until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the pasta.
- Layer the mixture in the baking dish, adding extra cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Cheesy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy pasta dish