Description
Viral TikTok mac and cheese promises creamy comfort with a crispy golden crust that melts hearts instantly. Cheese lovers will devour this irresistible dish, experiencing pure culinary bliss in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups (946 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Binding Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons (57 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring a slight bite remains. Drain thoroughly and let rest.
- Create a silky roux by melting butter in a spacious cooking vessel, then sprinkle flour and whisk vigorously until the mixture transforms into a smooth, golden paste.
- Stream milk into the roux, continuing to whisk energetically to prevent any unwelcome lumps from forming. Allow the liquid to gently thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
- Enhance the sauce with aromatic seasonings – garlic powder, smoky paprika, delicate salt, and cracked pepper. Introduce the trio of cheeses – sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan – stirring until they meld into a velvety, glossy embrace.
- Reunite the pasta with the molten cheese sauce, tossing meticulously to ensure each noodle becomes lavishly coated in the rich, decadent mixture.
- For an indulgent finale, either serve immediately in steaming portions or transfer to a baking dish. Sprinkle an additional layer of cheese on top and slide under the broiler, allowing the surface to transform into a bubbling, golden landscape of cheesy perfection.
Notes
- Optimize Pasta Texture by cooking macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with cheese sauce.
- Prevent Cheese Sauce Clumping by gradually adding cheese and whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Customize Flavor Profile by experimenting with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or gruyère for unique taste variations.
- Make Gluten-Free Option by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg