This Twisted Macaroni and Cheese is loaded with a rich homemade cheese sauce and irresistibly gooey texture in every bite. Ideal for weekday meals, holidays and special occasions it packs optimum cheesy flavor.

Easy Twisted Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

What is it about mac and cheese? It’s one of those cheesy side dishes that kids of all ages love. There are many variations, and I reach for a different one each time I make macaroni and cheese for my family. I love making classic recipe dishes with a small twist, pardon the pun, and this twisted mac and cheese is one such example. Hard Rock Cafe has twisted mac and cheese on the menu and I wanted to recreate our version of this popular dish to enjoy at home.

Key ingredients to make homemade Mac and Cheese with a twist: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Macaroni – Twisted macaroni or cavatappi pasta for the pasta layer.
Butter – Salted butter and all purpose flour to make the roux for the cheese sauce.
Liquid – Whole milk thins the sauce.
Mustard – Dijon mustard expands the flavor profile and enhances the cheese sauce.
Spices – Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, ground nutmeg and a few dashes of hot sauce.
Cheese – A combination of shredded colby-jack cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded fontina or gruyere cheese. for the melty cheesy flavor and gooey texture.

How to Make the Best Twisted Macaroni and Cheese

Prepare Skillet – Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 12 inch cast iron skillet with butter.
Boil Macaroni – Cook 4 cups cavatappi pasta in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Drain well, then add to a large mixing bowl.
Make Cheese Sauce – Melt butter over medium heat. Add flour, mixing until flour is absorbed.
Spices and Mustard – Add, Dijon, salt, pepper, paprika, nutmeg and a dash or two, of hot sauce. Mix well. Gradually whisk in milk.
Simmer Gently – Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, stirring then immediately turn to low heat. Simmer gently bubbling for 5 minutes. Stir periodically to prevent sticking.
Combine Cheese – Toss together all three varieties of shredded cheese. Add 4 cups to sauce. Mix until completely melted, remove from heat.
Combine – Add Cheese to Macaroni – Pour cheese sauce over cooked pasta in mixing bowl, mix until evenly coated.
Assemble – Pour into skillet one half at a time. Sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese blend. Pour remaining macaroni evenly on top. Sprinkle with reserved cheese and dot the top with reserved butter.
Oven – Bake per the cooking time in the recipe until bubbly and golden brown, then scoop and serve

Kitchen Equipment to Make Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist

Large 12 inch cast iron skillet or oven safe skillet. You can also bake this in a 13×9 inch baking dish.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Pasta pot.
Large bowl.
Cheese grater.
Balloon whisk and large spoon.

how-do-you-make-twisted-macaroni-and-cheese

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Don’t Overcook the Twisted Macaroni – One of the most important things to remember when cooking macaroni is to aim for al dente, or slightly underdone. If you overcook the macaroni noodles initially, it could become too mushy when baking.
Sauce Tip – When making the homemade cheese sauce, cook the white sauce until it’s thickened to the point of a thin pudding. When adding the shredded cheese, it will thicken further.
Pasta – You can use twisted macaroni or cavatappi pasta for this dish. Preferably with ridges to really grab onto the sauce.
Cheese – As with any macaroni and cheese recipe you can adapt using any variety of cheese that you enjoy. This version works particularly well with the blend called for of cheddar, colby jack and creamy fontina cheese. Monterey jack cheese or mozzarella cheese would also be tasty.
Optional Topping – If you’d like a crispy top, sprinkle with Italian style buttered Parmesan breadcrumbs, crushed ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs prior to baking.
Stand Time – Allow a few minutes of stand time at the end of baking, to give the sauce time to thicken to perfection, before serving.
Serving Options – Twisted Macaroni and Cheese can be an entrée, or the complementary side to chicken, pork or grilled steak. In short, there’s simply no wrong time to serve it. Ever.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave.
Freezer – You can freeze leftover mac for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes to Make

Busy days call for Slow Cooked Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese is bound to impress.
Easy Southern Style Macaroni and Cheese has a sauce that doesn’t require any additional cooking.
For special gatherings Crab Macaroni and Cheese always makes a splash.
Taco Mac is a one dish meal.
My 5 Cheese Holiday Macaroni and Cheese is extra special with a blend of cheese that takes it to another level.
You’ll pay top dollar for these Fried Mac and Cheese Balls in a restaurant.
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese from Food Network.

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