SIDES Dani’s World Famous Mac N Cheese

• total time: 33 minutes

Ingredients

1 pound cavatappi, cooked

16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated

16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated

8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons butter

3 tablespoons flour

1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk

2 cups heavy cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cook cavatappi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Combine all three shredded cheeses in a bowl and divide half into another bowl. Set aside.

Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Divide in half and set aside.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add half the seasoning mixture and flour. Stir until the mixture becomes paste-like, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add evaporated milk and whisk until thick. Add heavy cream and the rest of the seasonings and mix until combined. Whisk in Dijon mustard until thick. Slowly add in half the cheese, allowing it to melt before adding more.

Stir in macaroni until coated with cheese sauce.

Add a layer of macaroni and then a layer of shredded cheese to the prepared baking dish. Repeat layers.

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Finish by broiling until top is golden brown, about 2 minutes.