The Mac & Cheese that Broke the Internet And Then Got Better
This ultra creamy, triple cheese bake mac and cheese recipe takes the viral version up a notch. It’s kicky, velvety and has some surprise dollops of tangy cream cheese. MAc and Cheese is always a crowd pleaser for holidays, potlucks and cozy nights inl
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese
There are so many Mac and Cheese recipes out there. What makes this one THE ONE. It is based on a viral version that made the rounds on TicTok and Pinterest, but we took it to next level with an extra creamy layer in the middle.
Serve this as a main or a side dish but know that it will be the spotlight. This Mac and Cheese hits every crave point: crispy edges, gooey center and CHEESY.
Is This Recipe for You
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 8 generous portions
Occasion: Holidays, Sunday dinners, Potlucks, any time you need a comfort casserole.
What Do You Need
Fresh
- butter
- cream cheese
- Colby Jack cheese, Mozza cheese, sharp cheddar cheese
- cream
Pantry
- Dijon mustard
- elbow or cavatelli pasta
- flour
- evaporated milk
- salt and pepper
- smoked paprika
- garlic powder
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Serves
8
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni or cavatelli pasta
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 16 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
Steps
1
Cook the Pasta and Shred Cheese
Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. It will finish in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Cheese and mix together the Colby Jack, cheddar and mozzarella. Divide into 3 portions.
2
Make the Roux and Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden and nutty. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and cream. Add Dijon, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
Stir in the first portion of shredded cheese until melted and silky.
3
Assemble
Mix pasta with cheese sauce.
Pour half of the pasta into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle the second portion of cheese on top. Dot with dollops of cream cheese. (This is the secret glow up move!)
Top with the remaining mac and cheese.
Finish with the third layer of cheese
4
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
Let it sit for 10 minutes before diving in.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Cream Cheese Magic: Don’t skip it – it melts into pockets of tangy richness that balances all of the cheddar
Make It Ahead: Assemble, refrigerate and bake right before serving. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Crispy Top: Sprinkle with some crushed ritz crackers or buttered panko bread crumbs.
Spicy: Feel free to add some cayenne pepper to you cheese sauce for some kick.
FAQ
Can I use different cheeses? Absolutely. Try Gruyere, fontina, or pepper jack.
Can I freeze it? Yes – freeze before baking. This has enough fat in the dairy that it will freeze beautifully. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake until hot and bubbly.
Is it spicy? No but you can make it spicy. Add cayenne.
Ingredients
- 1 lb macaroni or cavatelli pasta
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 16 oz Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
Cook the Pasta and Shred Cheese
- Boil the pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. It will finish in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Shred the Cheese and mix together the Colby Jack, cheddar and mozzarella. Divide into 3 portions.
Make the Roux and Sauce
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until golden and nutty. Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and cream. Add Dijon, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Stir in the first portion of shredded cheese until melted and silky.
Assemble
- Mix pasta with cheese sauce.
- Pour half of the pasta into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the second portion of cheese on top. Dot with dollops of cream cheese. (This is the secret glow up move!)
- Top with the remaining mac and cheese.
- Finish with the third layer of cheese
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden brown on top.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before diving in.
Nutrition
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