Dinner

Viral Comfort Food Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe

BySarah Summers January 20, 2026January 20, 2026

Introduction

This y Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food favorite that combines a blend of creamy, gooey cheeses with perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta. The addition of smoky paprika and Dijon mustard adds a subtle twist, making it irresistibly flavorful and comforting.

A close-up view of a baked macaroni and cheese dish with a thick, golden-brown crispy cheese crust on top. The top layer is bubbly and browned with some darker spots, showing a crunchy texture. Below that, there is a creamy layer of melted cheese mixed with elbow macaroni noodles that look soft and coated with sauce. The lifted portion reveals gooey, stretchy melted cheese strings pulling apart between the layers of pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, with a white utensil partly visible holding up the cheese pull. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 oz cavatappi pasta
16 oz colby jack cheese
8 oz mozzarella cheese
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons salted butter
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish. Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Grate the colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Combine them in a bowl, reserving half for topping later.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling gently.
Step 4: Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the sauce to a low boil, then mix in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard.
Step 5: Stir half of the cheese mixture into the sauce until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta until well coated.
Step 6: In the casserole dish, layer half the cheesy pasta mixture, sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining cheese evenly spread on top.
Step 7: Bake for about 30 minutes at 375°F, then broil for 3-4 minutes to achieve a golden, crunchy top. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
Try swapping smoked paprika with regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need a gluten-free version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or cooked bacon for added texture and flavor.
For extra creaminess, mix in a little cream cheese during the sauce-making step.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up of a golden baked macaroni and cheese being lifted from a white dish, showing a thick layer of browned, bubbly cheese with crispy edges on top. Underneath, creamy pasta tubes are tightly packed and covered in melted cheese strings stretching as the scoop rises, revealing gooey texture inside. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting that highlights the rich yellow and brown colors of the cheese crust. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.

What if I don’t have cavatappi pasta?

Other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini work well since they hold onto the cheese sauce nicely.

Sarah Summers