# Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe perfect for the holiday season, emphasizing homemade cheese shredding and proper roux preparation for a smooth texture.

- Total time: 33 min
- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## Ingredients

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

## Instructions

1. Boil some water and salt it.
2. Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta to the boiling water.
3. Boil the pasta for 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
4. Shred 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese.
5. Divide the shredded cheese in half.
6. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to the cheese. Start with a teaspoon if unsure and adjust to taste.
7. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
8. Add half of the seasonings to the melted butter to bloom them and cook for about 30 seconds.
9. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the butter and seasoning mixture, mix until combined, and cook for about 2 minutes.
10. Add 1 can (12 ounces) of evaporated milk to the roux gradually, whisking constantly to avoid clumps.
11. Add 2 cups of heavy cream in increments, whisking continuously for 5 to 7 minutes.
12. Add the remaining seasonings and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce.
13. Turn the heat to low or off.
14. Slowly add half of the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition is melted before adding more.
15. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
16. Add the remaining cheese and mix until all melted.
17. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold it in with a spatula.
18. Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasonings if necessary.
19. Add half of the pasta to a baking dish.
20. Add half of the remaining shredded cheese on top of the pasta layer.
21. Add the last layer of pasta, followed by the remaining cheese on top.
22. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.
23. Broil for a few minutes to get a nice crust on top.
24. Garnish with green onions, chives, or parsley.

## Equipment

- pot
- grater
- whisk
- spatula
- baking dish
- oven

## Tips

- Shred your own cheese for a creamy, non-grainy mac and cheese.
- Cook the flour completely when making the roux to avoid grainy mac and cheese.
- Add evaporated milk and heavy cream in increments while whisking to prevent a soupy cheese sauce.
- Mustard enhances the flavor of cheddar cheese.
- Add cheese to low or off heat to prevent curdling, graininess, and separation.
- Use milk to thin out the cheese sauce if it's too thick.
- Layer pasta and cheese in the baking dish.

## Source

- Original video: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSH6xKj9P/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/2d3d1b3d-4887-4743-9e15-e95b7490a00b
- Extracted: 2026-04-02

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