Holiday Mac and Cheese

30m
Serves 6
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Directions

  1. 1Boil salted water.
  2. 2Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta and boil for 8 minutes if using right away, or 7 minutes if making ahead.
  3. 3Shred 1 pound mozzarella, 1 pound Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
  4. 4In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  5. 5In a pan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter and add half the seasoning mixture.
  6. 6Cook for 30 seconds. Then, add 3 tablespoons of flour and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
  7. 7Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the 12 ounces evaporated milk and continue whisking until smooth. Add remaining milk gradually.
  8. 8Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard (optional) and mix in.
  9. 9Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, while whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  10. 10Reduce heat to low and add half of the shredded cheese, mixing until melted.
  11. 11Add the remaining shredded cheese and the rest of the seasoning, and mix until the cheese is melted.
  12. 12Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold to combine.
  13. 13Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Top with half of the remaining cheese, then the remaining mac and cheese, and top with the remaining cheese.
  14. 14Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.

Ingredients

  • 1 water
  • 1 salt
  • 1 pound 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 1 pound 1 pound mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound 1 pound Colby Jack cheese
  • 8 ounces 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons seasoning
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika

Equipment

potwooden spooncheese gratermixing bowlsplastic containerwhisklarge panspatulabaking dishoven