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Creamy cavatappi mac and cheese EASY MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE rich melted cheddar close up
Thomas Baker

Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe: Quick Delicious Dish

This easy mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a quick mac n cheese recipe that you can make at home. With a smooth, creamy cheese sauce and no bake option, it's an ideal no bake mac and cheese recipe that satisfies comfort food cravings in no time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Cavatappi Pasta (or elbow, penne, farfalle)
  • 4 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1/4 cup Flour
  • 1 1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 1 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
  • 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar (freshly grated)
  • 8 ounces American Cheese (Boar's Head from the deli)
  • 4 ounces Medium Cheddar Cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (may use 2 teaspoons)

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes until smooth paste forms.
  3. Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in heavy cream and whole milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, cooking 2-3 minutes until thickened.
  4. Season the Sauce: Stir in dijon mustard, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; adjust seasonings to taste.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce heat to low, gradually add American cheese, medium cheddar, and half the sharp cheddar, stirring constantly until smooth.
  6. Combine with Pasta: Stir cooked pasta into cheese sauce to coat evenly and pour into baking dish.
  7. Top & Bake: Sprinkle with remaining sharp cheddar cheese. Broil 2-3 minutes until cheese melts or bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately for creamiest texture; optionally garnish with dried parsley or extra paprika.

Notes

  • For best results, use freshly grated blocks of cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese to ensure smooth melting. Boar's Head American Cheese from the deli works well; ask for a 1/2 lb slice and cut into small pieces before use. Refer to the blog post for tips on keeping the sauce creamy and preventing graininess.