Description
Viral sensation mac and cheese from TikTok promises comfort in creamy, cheesy perfection. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy:
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter
Seasonings and Thickeners:
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then thoroughly drain and let rest.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel, whisking in flour until mixture turns golden and fragrant.
- Slowly incorporate milk and cream, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and ensure silky consistency.
- Season the developing sauce with aromatic spices: garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of paprika for depth.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually fold in cheese varieties, stirring methodically until each cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, smooth sauce.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the cheese mixture, ensuring every pasta piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
- For a crispy finish, transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3-5 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden, slightly bubbling top without burning.
Notes
- Ensure pasta is al dente to prevent mushy texture when mixed with cheese sauce.
- Experiment with cheese blends like smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar for deeper flavor complexity.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.
- Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 734
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 502 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg