# Fail Proof Baked Mac and Cheese

A rich and fail-proof baked macaroni and cheese that utilizes sodium citrate to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.

- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1 lb white cheddar cheese
- 1 lb monterey jack cheese
- 1/2 lb gruyère cheese
- 4 oz white american cheese (optional)
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tsp sodium citrate (optional)
- 2 cup heavy whipping cream, scalded
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 2/3 cup pasta water
- 10 clove roasted garlic (optional)
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- parsley (optional)
- parmesan reggiano, grated (optional)

## Instructions

1. Grate the white cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère cheeses, and cube the mozzarella.
2. Make a roux by mixing the butter and flour until well combined.
3. Add the seasonings and whisk to bloom.
4. Stir in the evaporated milk and scalded heavy whipping cream.
5. Kill the heat, add half the shredded cheese, pasta water, and roasted garlic, then whisk until smooth.
6. Season with nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
7. Add the cooked noodles and the cubed mozzarella to the sauce and mix well.
8. In a pan, layer the noodle-cheese mixture with the remaining shredded cheese.
9. Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes, then broil until the top is brown.

## Equipment

- stand mixer with grater attachment
- knife
- whisk
- pot
- pan

## Tips

- Use sodium citrate only if you are not using American cheese in the recipe.
- You can use roasted garlic but it may not be very noticeable in the final taste.
- Garnish with parsley and grated parmesan.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DduKT2nhjk-/?mdxt=MTcyN3ZqZm9nNDFyeg==
- Creator: Cole Roberson “ThatSavageKitchen”
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/2617c3ee-9524-4224-9ca1-ef622f82153e
- Extracted: 2026-11-13

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt