Description
Mac and cheese lovers rejoice over this viral TikTok mac and cheese sensation that blends creamy comfort with irresistible flavor. Cheesy, indulgent layers promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Dairy Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk (or substitute with heavy cream for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Seasoning and Optional Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for a hint of tang)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Submerge macaroni in milk within a medium saucepan, positioning over medium heat. Gently stir the mixture to prevent pasta from adhering to the bottom, allowing the liquid to simmer and pasta to soften progressively.
- Continue cooking until pasta reaches optimal tenderness and milk reduces substantially, creating a thickened base. The liquid should almost completely absorb into the pasta, forming a rich preliminary foundation for the cheese sauce.
- Reduce heat to low, introducing cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses directly into the milky pasta mixture. Incorporate butter alongside garlic and mustard powders for enhanced depth of flavor.
- Whisk ingredients energetically, ensuring complete cheese dissolution and developing a velvety, uniform sauce. Continuously stir to prevent potential scorching and promote even melting.
- Taste the mixture, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile. Ensure the sauce maintains a luxurious, smooth consistency without becoming overly thick or stringy.
- Transfer the creamy mac and cheese into serving bowls, creating an inviting presentation. Optional: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant, herbaceous garnish that adds visual appeal and subtle freshness.
- Serve immediately while the cheese remains molten and pasta retains optimal temperature and texture, guaranteeing a delectable dining experience.
Notes
- Simplify the cooking process by using a wide, non-stick pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent pasta from sticking.
- Select high-quality, full-fat cheeses for a richer, more indulgent mac and cheese experience that melts smoothly.
- Adjust milk quantity based on desired creaminess, adding more for a looser sauce or reducing for a thicker consistency.
- Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular macaroni with chickpea or rice pasta without compromising the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg