Description
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese from viral TikTok sensation promises pure comfort in every bite. Gooey pasta layers packed with rich flavors will transport you to culinary bliss, making this recipe a must-try for weekend indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 4 cups (946 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (237 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons (60 ml) butter
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
- 4 cups (946 ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.
- Create a smooth roux by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat, gradually whisking in flour for approximately 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually pour milk and heavy cream into the roux, continuously whisking to prevent lumps and maintain a silky consistency.
- Season the developing sauce with salt, freshly ground black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
- Reduce heat to low and incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until completely melted and forming a luxurious, velvety sauce.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated and surrounded by creamy goodness.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, allowing the rich, bubbling cheese to entice diners.
Notes
- Customize texture by adjusting cheese amounts for richer or lighter mac and cheese consistency.
- Prevent lumpy sauce by whisking roux continuously and adding milk gradually to ensure smooth blending.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like using cornstarch instead of flour and gluten-free pasta for dietary restrictions.
- Enhance flavor by experimenting with additional spices like smoked paprika or adding crispy bacon bits on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 710 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg