The Only Mac & Cheese Recipe You'll Ever Need

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar offers a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthy fats and a different flavor profile.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: string cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat, while string cheese is often cheaper.

Preheat the oven to broil, and place a rack four inches below the heating element.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and season generously with salt. Add the cavatappi, and cook according to the package instructions, stopping two minutes before al dente. Drain the pasta, and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top. Toss to combine and coat the pasta with the oil, and set aside.

In the same pot over medium heat, add the heavy cream, milk, black pepper, mustard, thyme, paprika, and garlic cloves. Stir to combine and bring to a very gentle simmer. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have married and the dairy is slightly reduced. Set a fine mesh strainer over a large mixing bowl. Pour the infused cream through the strainer and discard any solids. Bring the cream back up to a simmer.

While the cream is coming to a simmer, add the cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda to a medium mixing bowl. Toss well to combine.

Add half of the cheese mixture, as well as the goat cheese, to the cream mixture on the stove. Stir gently to melt the cheese. Once the cheese is melted, add the macaroni and stir to incorporate. Bring the mixture back to a simmer, then remove from the heat.

Add half of the mac and cheese mixture to a lightly greased 9x13 pan. Then, sprinkle the remaining half of the cheese over the top of the macaroni. Spread the final portion of macaroni over the top, and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the macaroni.

Place the pan on a sheet tray. Transfer it to the oven, and broil for five to ten minutes, rotating it frequently to allow for even browning over the top. Once the top is deeply golden brown and bubbling, remove it from the oven, and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes.

Serve immediately while warm.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens