# Mac n Cheese

This is a recipe for mac n cheese for this holiday season.

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

## Ingredients

- gallons Water
- as needed Salt
- 1 pound Cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound Mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces Sharp cheddar cheese
- as needed Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
- as needed Smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons Butter
- 1 can Evaporated milk
- 3 tablespoons Flour
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups Heavy cream

## Instructions

1. Bring some water to a boil.
2. Salt the boiling water like the ocean.
3. Add 1 pound of cavatappi pasta to the boiling water.
4. Boil the pasta for 8 minutes if making mac and cheese right away, or 7 minutes if making it the night before.
5. Grate 1 pound of mozzarella, 1 pound of Colby Jack, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese.
6. Divide the shredded cheese into two bowls: half for the cheese sauce and half for layering.
7. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder (about 1 tablespoon), and smoked paprika in a small container to create the seasoning blend.
8. In a pan on medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
9. Add half of the seasoning blend to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds to bloom the seasonings.
10. Add 3 tablespoons of flour to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing it with the butter and seasoning to create a roux.
11. Switch to a whisk and slowly add about a quarter of a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, whisking constantly to remove any flour lumps.
12. Continue gradually adding the rest of the evaporated milk, whisking until fully incorporated.
13. Add about 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and mix it in.
14. Slowly add 2 cups of heavy cream, a little at a time, whisking continuously on medium heat.
15. Let the sauce cook for about 2 minutes after adding all the heavy cream.
16. Lower the heat to low.
17. Add half of the shredded cheese, slowly incorporating it into the sauce while whisking until all the cheese is melted.
18. Add the remaining half of the seasoning blend and mix well.
19. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold it in until thoroughly combined.
20. Taste a noodle to check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.
21. Transfer half of the mac and cheese into a baking dish.
22. Layer with some of the remaining shredded cheese.
23. Add the rest of the mac and cheese to the baking dish.
24. Top with the remaining shredded cheese.
25. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted.
26. Broil for about 2 minutes to get a golden-brown crust.
27. Serve and enjoy!

## Equipment

- Pot
- Wooden spoon
- Grater
- Bowls
- Whisk
- Pan
- Baking dish
- Oven mitts
- Spatula

## Tips

- If making mac and cheese the night before, boil pasta for 7 minutes to prevent overcooking as it will absorb cheese sauce.
- Always shred your own cheese; pre-shredded cheese contains starches that can make your mac and cheese grainy.
- To prevent cheese from curdling, add it to the sauce on low heat and melt it slowly, adding in batches.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8DowDaX/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/f44893a1-53f7-40f6-bf8b-18ad8cf27a9d
- Extracted: 2025-11-19

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