# Mac and Cheese

A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe for the holiday season.

- 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
- 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 in half.
5. Prepare the seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Start with a teaspoon of each if unsure, then taste and adjust.
6. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a pot over medium heat.
7. Add half of the prepared seasonings to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom them.
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 gradually, whisking constantly to avoid clumps and ensure a creamy texture.
10. Add 2 cups of heavy cream in increments, whisking continuously.
11. Add the remaining seasonings and a spoonful of Dijon mustard to the sauce and whisk.
12. Turn the heat to low or off, then slowly add half of the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted before adding more.
13. Pour half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish.
14. Layer with half of the remaining shredded cheese.
15. Add the last layer of mac and cheese.
16. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
17. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes.
18. Broil for a few minutes to get a nice crust on top.
19. Sprinkle with green onions or chives or parsley.

## Equipment

- pot
- cutting board
- knife
- grater
- bowls
- measuring cup
- whisk
- spatula
- baking dish
- oven mitts

## Tips

- Shred your own cheese for a creamy texture, as pre-shredded cheese can be grainy and not melt properly.
- Bloom the seasonings in melted butter for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavor.
- Add evaporated milk and heavy cream gradually, whisking constantly to prevent a soupy mac and cheese.
- If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Turn off or lower the heat before adding the cheese to the sauce to prevent it from curdling and becoming grainy.
- For a nice crust, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes after baking.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8U2Fqa4/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/db4b8356-97a5-4e4f-b1b8-baff54bf45b2
- Extracted: 2025-11-23

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