Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsDaily EatsCheesiest Mac Recipe

Cheesiest Mac Recipe

Inspired by Daily Eats
Time45m
Serves4

a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, gooey Gouda and DE cheese sauce tossed with cavatappi pasta & topped with toasted bread crumbs

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Topping

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Boil the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

  1. 2

    Prepare the Roux

    In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and golden.

  2. 3

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture is smooth. Cook until it thickens, about 5 minutes.

  3. 4

    Incorporate Cheeses

    Reduce heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and Gouda cheese until fully melted and combined. Season with salt and black pepper.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 5

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all pasta is coated in the cheesy goodness.

Preparing Topping

  1. 6

    Mix Bread Crumbs

    In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs with the melted butter. Mix until the bread crumbs are evenly coated.

  2. 7

    Sprinkle Topping

    Spread the buttered bread crumbs evenly over the mac and cheese mixture.

Baking

  1. 8

    Bake the Mac

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

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