Dinner

Baked Mac & Cheese (Viral Comfort Food) Recipe

ByElla Hart January 19, 2026January 19, 2026

Introduction

This y Baked Mac & Cheese is a viral comfort food favorite, loved for its creamy texture and rich, cheesy layers. With a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar, plus a hint of smoked paprika and garlic, it’s a cozy dish perfect for any occasion.

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 and reserve half for topping later.
Step 3: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add half the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens and begins to boil. Stir in the remaining spices and Dijon mustard.
Step 4: Add half of the cheese mixture to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Fold in the cooked pasta until fully coated.
Step 5: Layer half of the cheesy pasta in the casserole dish, sprinkle half the reserved cheese on top, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Finish with the remaining cheese evenly spread on top.
Step 6: Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. For a golden, crunchy finish, broil for 3-4 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping before baking for extra texture.
Mix in a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Use a combination of your favorite cheeses to customize flavor and meltability.
Serve in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk 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 use a different pasta shape?

Yes, any pasta that holds sauce well, like shells or elbow macaroni, works great. Cavatappi is ideal for catching the creamy cheese sauce, but feel free to substitute.

Is there a way to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the mac and cheese a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding extra baking time if needed until heated through and bubbly.