Grandma's Old Fashioned Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Use 2 tbsp of softened butter and grease a 9x13 pan, making sure to get the bottom and sides of the pan.

Step 2

Shred all of the cheeses. Set aside 4 oz of the cheddar cheese (this is for the top of mac and cheese)

Step 3

Bring chicken broth to a boil, then cook pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and add to a large bowl. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then add 2 tbsp of butter and 1 tsp chicken bouillon paste. Mix together until the paste is incorporated and the butter is melted.

Step 4

Add evaporated milk and heavy cream to the same pot over medium heat. Stir until warmed through (do not boil), then add the Mozzarella, Sharp Cheddar, Colby Jack, and Gruyere (all of the cheese except the 4 oz of cheddar cheese). Add mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and cream cheese. Stir until combined, then taste for salt and pepper.

Step 5

Whisk together sour cream and cornstarch in a small bowl until all of the cornstarch is incorporated into the sour cream. Add to the pot and stir until combined.

Step 6

Remove from the heat and add in the seasoned noodles. Stir until all of the noodles are coated in the cheese sauce. Add eggs and mix until combined.

Step 7

Add half of the macaroni and cheese into the pan, then add the mozzarella cheese slices in an even layer. Add the remainder of the macaroni and cheese on top. Sprinkle the remaining 4 oz of cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese on top.

Step 8

(optional) For the breadcrumb topping, melt butter in a skillet, then add the breadcrumbs. Toss together for about 5 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step 9

Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the macaroni and cheese. Add a dash of paprika on top for color (optional)

Step 10

Place baking dish on top of a baking sheet. Bake the cavatappi mac and cheese in a 350-degree F oven for 25-30 minutes, uncovered, until bubbling. Finish for a few minutes under the broiler for a golden top. Allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.