Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for comfort food that hits all the right notes, you’re going to absolutely love this Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe. I’ve made this crowd-pleaser more times than I can count, and each batch turns out ridiculously creamy, cheesy, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s a family dinner or you want to impress your friends on game day, this recipe has you covered. Stick with me, and I’ll show you all my tips to nail it perfectly every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a role — from the pasta shape to the cheese combo — ensuring the perfect bite every time. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before diving in.

• Cavatappi Pasta: This corkscrew shape holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully, but elbow macaroni works if that’s what you have.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Adds mild, creamy flavor and melts smoothly for that luscious texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Brings gooey stretchiness, making it super comforting.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides that classic tangy punch we all crave in mac and cheese.
• Smoked Paprika: A subtle smoky warmth that gives this recipe a little extra depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Just a touch to hint at savory goodness without overpowering the cheese.
• Salted Butter: Essential for that buttery base in your cheese sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: This is the trick that makes the sauce ultra creamy without becoming too heavy or watery.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
• Dijon Mustard: Sounds fancy, but it brightens the cheese flavor and cuts through the richness nicely.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own by swapping cheeses or adding mix-ins — the beauty is that it’s a flexible base. Play around with whatever you have on hand and make it your own!

• Spicy Kick: I once added a dash of cayenne pepper and diced jalapeños for a smoky, spicy version that my friends can’t stop requesting.
• Meat Lover’s: Throw in cooked bacon or chopped ham for a savory boost — the smoky meat pairs amazingly with the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Twist: Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted cauliflower for some added veggies and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap some flour for cornstarch in the sauce to keep it thick and luscious.

How to Make Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Cheese Mix

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter or non-stick spray. While the oven warms up, grate all your cheeses and mix them together in a bowl. I usually reserve half the cheese mixture aside to sprinkle on top later — that’s one of the secrets to that beautiful baked crust. Having the cheeses evenly mixed now just makes everything simpler when building the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cavatappi pasta until just al dente, usually about 8-9 minutes. You want it tender but still with a little bite since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain it well and set it aside while you work on the cheese sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt your butter, then add half the smoked paprika and garlic powder for that initial flavor punch. Next, whisk in an equal amount of flour (about 3 tablespoons) and cook for 1-2 minutes. This roux step is crucial — it thickens your sauce and keeps it from tasting floury. Now slowly whisk in your evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly so the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Bring it to a gentle boil, then stir in the remaining spices and your Dijon mustard. Finally, fold in half the cheese mixture, stirring until melted and perfectly creamy.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Mix half of the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, then spread this first layer into your casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the reserved cheese over it for an extra cheesy layer. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese sauce, then top it off with the last bit of cheese. Pop this beauty in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. If you like a crispier top, broil it for 3-4 minutes—just keep an eagle eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

How to Serve Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love tossing a little extra color and texture on top — sometimes chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions really brightens the dish and adds crunch. A dusting of smoked paprika also gives a nice visual pop and teases more smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually pair this with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance all that richness. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit, too, especially if you’re serving this for a cozy dinner with friends.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes spoon the mac and cheese into mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—individual portions look so cute and keep their heat longer. You can also sprinkle some crunchy panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for that extra crispy crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually transfer leftovers into an airtight container so it stays fresh and the cheese sauce doesn’t develop a skin. Reheating is a breeze and still tastes like fresh-made.

Freezing

I haven’t personally frozen the whole casserole, but I’ve frozen individual portions with great results. Just make sure to cool completely, wrap tightly, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve creaminess.

Reheating

My go-to method is reheating in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 15-20 minutes, then uncover for a few minutes if I want to refresh that top crust. The microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes dry the sauce out a bit.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Viral Macaroni and Cheese with Cheesy Baked Casserole Recipe becomes the star of any meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and baked to perfection — you’ll find it’s just the right balance of comfort and flavor. When I first tried it, I struggled to get cheese sauce just right, but this recipe solved all that. I know you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and your family and friends will go crazy for it too. Give it a shot, have fun with the variations, and get ready to call it your go-to mac and cheese forever.

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