Description
Viral Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent baked macaroni and cheese recipe that has gained viral fame on TikTok. It features a blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses combined with evaporated milk and heavy cream, delivering a rich and velvety cheese sauce over cavatappi pasta, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 Lb Cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 1 Lb Mozzarella (16 OZ shredded)
- 1 Lb Colby Jack (16 OZ shredded)
- 1/2 Lb Sharp cheddar (8 OZ shredded)
- 12 Ounces Evaporated milk (1 Can)
- 2 Cups Heavy whipping cream
- 3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon White pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 3 Tablespoons All purpose flour
Instructions
- Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package instructions, approximately 7 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
- Slowly incorporate the evaporated milk while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to bubble, indicating it’s starting to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually add the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously. Let the sauce cook gently.
- Combine all the shredded cheeses in a bowl and divide into two equal portions. Start by adding a handful of cheese to the sauce and whisk vigorously until melted and smooth before adding more. Repeat until all the first half of the cheese is fully incorporated. This process takes about 20 minutes to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce and fully cooked flour.
- Stir in salt, white pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce, blending all flavors thoroughly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the center. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the cheese-coated pasta. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese on top. Add the rest of the pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for about 20 minutes at 375°F until the cheese on top has melted and starts to turn golden brown.
- For an extra golden and slightly crisp top, broil on low for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
- Perfect for holiday meals or family dinners.
- Adjust cheese types based on preference.
- Let it rest before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg