Mind-Blowing Southern Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe | Clare Greco - Recipes by Clare

Ingredients

• 1 pound pasta noodles (elbow or rotini preferred)
• 7 tablespoons room temperature butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3½ cups half and half
• ¼ cup whipped cream cheese
• 12 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (reserve 1 cup for topping)
• 4 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste