This baked mac and cheese is creamy. It uses three cheeses and a sauce made with heavy cream, evaporated milk, and Dijon mustard. Seasoned and baked to perfection, it's comfort food.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Mac & Cheese✔ Ultra Creamy – A rich, velvety cheese sauce coats every noodle.✔ Perfectly Baked – Golden on top, gooey inside, the best of both worlds.✔ Three Cheeses – The ultimate flavor and texture combination.✔ Smoky & Savory – A touch of smoked paprika and garlic powder takes it up a notch.✔ Crowd Favorite – Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks!
Ingredients
- For the Pasta
- ½ lb Cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- For the Cheese Blend
- ½ lb mozzarella shredded
- ½ lb Colby Jack shredded
- ¼ lb sharp cheddar shredded
- For the Cheese Sauce
- 6 oz evaporated milk about half a can
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- For the Roux
- 1½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 1½ tbsp all-purpose flour
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil in salted water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook until al dente: Add your choice of pasta and cook just until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside: Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Start the Roux
- Melt the butter: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquid.
- Whisk in the flour: Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and just lightly golden. This helps eliminate the raw flour taste.
Make the Cheese Sauce
- Add liquids slowly: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a smooth base.
- Season the sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, white pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Continue whisking until the mixture is thickened and smooth.
Add the Cheese
- Stir in the cheese: Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and velvety. Use a mix of cheeses for best flavor.
Combine with Pasta
- Add the pasta: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure each piece is well-coated.
- Mix gently: Stir until the sauce and pasta are evenly combined.
Assemble and Bake
- Prepare the dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with more cheese: Sprinkle extra shredded cheese over the top for a golden, bubbly finish.
- Bake: Place the dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling.
Rest and Serve
- Cool slightly: Let the baked mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm: Scoop and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, perfectly baked goodness!
Video
Notes
Tips for the Best Baked Mac & Cheese
✔ Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it bakes in the oven, slightly undercooked pasta is best.
✔ Customize the seasoning – Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a little nutmeg for warmth.
✔ Make it extra crispy – Top with buttered breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday spread or just a cozy night in, one thing’s for sure: everyone will be coming back for seconds! Tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media!
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it bakes in the oven, slightly undercooked pasta is best.
✔ Customize the seasoning – Add a pinch of cayenne for heat or a little nutmeg for warmth.
✔ Make it extra crispy – Top with buttered breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. This baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food—rich, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a holiday spread or just a cozy night in, one thing’s for sure: everyone will be coming back for seconds! Tried this recipe? Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on social media!