Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook mac and cheese recipe from scratch that’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked, this guide will walk you through every step. Forget boxed mixes—this version uses real cheese, fresh ingredients, and a few cooking tricks for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Cavatappi or elbow macaroni
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp olive oil
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Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pot
- Cheese grater
- Baking dish
- Slotted spoon
- Wooden spoon
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large heavy-bottomed pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Salt the water generously—it should taste like the ocean. This ensures the pasta absorbs flavor as it cooks.
- Add the pasta and cook slightly less than the package instructions (usually 1–2 minutes under). The pasta will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Drain the pasta and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it from sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same pot, combine heavy cream and milk.
- Add smashed garlic cloves and dried thyme. Keep the heat low; milk and cream should never boil.
- Mix in dry mustard, smoked paprika, and freshly cracked black pepper for flavor.
- Let the aromatics infuse the cream for 2–3 minutes. Strain out solids if desired for a smooth sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese
- Grate cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella. Crumble the goat cheese.
- Mix all cheeses gently, preserving the structure for a gooey, stretchy texture.
- Add half of the cheese mixture to the warm cream mixture and stir until melted. Reserve the rest for layering.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- Slowly fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
- Ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Keep the reserved cheese for the final topping and layering.
Step 5: Layer and Bake
- Preheat your oven to medium-high broil.
- Spread half the pasta in a greased baking dish.
- Add a layer of the remaining cheese evenly over the pasta.
- Cover with the second half of the pasta. Press gently for uniform layers.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top for a golden, crispy crust.
- Place the dish on a baking tray to catch any bubbling over and broil until the top is golden brown (about 3–5 minutes). Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy gooey, creamy bites with a perfectly crisp top.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Use multiple cheeses for flavor complexity and melt quality.
- Slightly undercook pasta before mixing with sauce.
- Keep heat low when melting cheese to avoid clumping.
- Try additional cheeses like Gruyere, Havarti, or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
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