# Mac n Cheese

A creamy Mac n Cheese recipe perfect for the holiday season.

- Total time: 30 min
- Cuisine: Italian
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound mozzarella
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 spoonful Dijon mustard
- green onions

## Instructions

1. Boil some water and salt it.
2. Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta to the boiling water and boil for 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
3. Shred 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese.
4. Divide the shredded cheese into two equal portions.
5. Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl for seasoning.
6. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat.
7. Add half of the seasoning mixture to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the seasonings.
8. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pot and mix until combined, cooking for about 2 minutes.
9. Add one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk incrementally while whisking to avoid lumps.
10. Add 2 cups of heavy cream incrementally while whisking.
11. Add the remaining half of the seasonings and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce, mixing well.
12. Turn the heat to low or off.
13. Slowly add half of the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until it's all melted.
14. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold it in until combined.
15. Add half of the pasta mixture to a baking dish.
16. Add half of the remaining shredded cheese on top of the pasta layer.
17. Add the last layer of pasta.
18. Top with the last layer of cheese.
19. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes.
20. Broil for a few minutes to achieve a nice crust.
21. Perform a crust test by tapping it.
22. Garnish with green onions.

## Equipment

- pot
- wooden spoon
- grater
- bowls
- whisk
- baking dish
- oven

## Tips

- Shred your own cheese for a creamy, non-gritty mac and cheese.
- Bloom seasonings in butter to enhance their flavor.
- Add evaporated milk and heavy cream incrementally while whisking to avoid a soupy consistency.
- Turn off or lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling and separation.
- If cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Broil for a few minutes at the end to get a nice crust on top.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQnPiWejj7R/?igsh=MWN2MzY2emUyeDFocA==
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/26d454c8-4d18-475f-bc9e-9b587fac41a1
- Extracted: 2025-11-24

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