# Mac and Cheese

A creamy mac and cheese recipe perfect for the holiday season, emphasizing proper cheese melting techniques and flavorful seasoning.

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

## Ingredients

- 1 pound Mozzarella
- 1 pound Colby Jack
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 3 tablespoons Flour
- 12 ounces Evaporated milk
- 2 cups Heavy cream
- 1 spoonful Dijon mustard
- Green onions

## Instructions

1. Boil some water.
2. Add salt to the boiling water.
3. Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta to the boiling water.
4. Boil the pasta for 8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
5. Shred 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of cheddar cheese.
6. Divide the shredded cheese in half.
7. Prepare the seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
8. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat.
9. Add half of the prepared seasonings to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the seasonings.
10. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pot.
11. Mix the flour and butter mixture for about 2 minutes, ensuring it's all combined and the flour is cooked out.
12. Add one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk gradually while whisking to prevent lumps.
13. Add 2 cups of heavy cream in increments while whisking, which may take 5 to 7 minutes.
14. Add the remaining seasonings.
15. Add a good spoonful of Dijon mustard.
16. Turn the heat to low or off before adding the cheese.
17. Slowly add half of the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until each batch is melted before adding more.
18. Add the last bit of cheese.
19. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce.
20. Fold in the pasta with the cheese sauce using a spatula.
21. Add half of the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
22. Layer with half of the remaining shredded cheese.
23. Add the last layer of pasta.
24. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
25. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 to 30 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to get a nice crust.
26. Sprinkle with green onions for garnish.

## Equipment

- Pot
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Cheese grater
- Bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Oven mitts

## Tips

- Always shred your own cheese to avoid a grainy texture, as pre-shredded cheese has a film that prevents proper melting.
- Bloom seasonings in melted butter for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavor.
- Add evaporated milk and heavy cream gradually while whisking to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming soupy.
- Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for a creamier texture.
- Turn off or lower the heat before adding cheese to prevent curdling, which can lead to a grainy and separated sauce.
- If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- For a nice crust on top, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes after baking.
- When tasting your mac and cheese, try a noodle and adjust seasonings as needed.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTrFVHW8b/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/2f45b703-f254-46aa-aa25-e64a6049ced8
- Extracted: 2025-11-25

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