2Add 1 pound of gobotti pasta to the boiling water.
3Boil the pasta for 8 minutes if eating immediately, or 7 minutes if preparing the night before.
4Shred 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of colby jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
5Divide the shredded cheese into two equal portions for later use.
6Prepare seasonings by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a small container. (Quantities are to taste; start with a teaspoon and adjust after tasting the sauce).
7In a pan on medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
8Add half of the seasoning mixture to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the seasonings.
9Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
10Switch to a whisk and slowly add 12 ounces of evaporated milk, a quarter of the can at a time, whisking to remove any flour clumps.
11Continue whisking for about a minute after adding all the evaporated milk.
12Add about 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and mix it in.
13Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, whisking constantly on medium heat.
14Cook the sauce for about 2 minutes after adding all the heavy cream.
15Reduce the heat to low.
16Slowly add half of the shredded cheese, mixing it in until fully melted before adding more.
17Add the remaining seasoning mixture and mix it in.
18Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold it in until fully combined.
19Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasonings if desired.
20Layer half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish.
21Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese over the first layer of mac and cheese.
22Add the rest of the mac and cheese to the baking dish.
23Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
24Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted.
25Broil for 2 minutes for a crispy top, if desired.
26Serve and enjoy!
Ingredients
water
salt
1 pound gobotti pasta
1 pound mozzarella cheese
1 pound colby jack cheese
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
pepper
garlic powder
paprika
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
12 ounces evaporated milk
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
2 cups heavy cream
Equipment
potgraterbowlswhiskpanspatulabaking dishoven
Tips
For mac and cheese to be eaten immediately, boil pasta for 8 minutes. If preparing the night before, boil for 7 minutes to prevent overcooking as pasta absorbs cheese sauce.
Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese to avoid a grainy texture, as pre-shredded cheese contains a film (corn or potato starch) that can cause graininess.
Bloom the seasonings in melted butter for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavor.
Cook the roux (fat and flour mixture) for 2-3 minutes to ensure the mac and cheese isn't grainy.
When adding cheese, turn the heat to low and add it slowly while mixing to prevent curdling, which can lead to grainy mac and cheese.
Taste the mac and cheese before baking to adjust seasonings as needed.