There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta bake to satisfy a comfort food craving—but this New Orleans-style mac and cheese brings something extra to the table. The twist? It’s made with spaghetti instead of elbow macaroni, creating a luxurious texture that feels both familiar and fresh.

Loaded with cheddar, mozzarella, and a creamy homemade sauce, this baked dish is rich, flavorful, and ready to steal the show at your next gathering. Whether you’re serving it for Sunday dinner, a holiday feast, or just a regular weeknight when only comfort food will do, this cheesy pasta casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

 

 

Ingredients:

Pasta & Dairy

• 1 pound Dry spaghetti
• 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
• 4 cups Half-and-half
• ½ cup Heavy cream
• 3 cups, divided Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3 cups, divided Cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings

• 4 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons Ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Granulated garlic
• ½ teaspoon Ground cayenne pepper

 

 

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or two 8×8-inch pans) and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook for 6 minutes—it should be slightly underdone since it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 30 seconds to form a roux. Add the salt, pepper, garlic, and cayenne, stirring until fragrant.

Slowly pour in the half-and-half, followed by the heavy cream, whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Bring the mixture just to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until thickened. Stir in half the mozzarella and half the cheddar until fully melted and velvety.

4. Mix & Transfer
Add the partially cooked spaghetti directly into the sauce. Toss gently until all the pasta is fully coated. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

5. Top with More Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top.

6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Place in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling and the top layer of cheese is golden brown.

7. Rest & Serve
Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—this helps the sauce set slightly and keeps every bite creamy and rich.

 

 

Tips for the Best Baked Mac and Cheese

• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect how well it melts.
• Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent it from getting mushy during baking.
• Add a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy contrast—just mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
• Want extra flavor? Stir in a bit of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use any type of apple for this snack?
Yes! While Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples are naturally sweeter, any apple variety works. Tart apples like Granny Smith pair especially well with cocoa for a more complex flavor.

2. Is unsweetened cocoa the same as raw cacao powder?
They’re similar but not identical. Raw cacao is less processed and slightly more bitter, offering more antioxidants. Both are great choices.

3. Can I prepare this snack ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can slice the apples and store them in lemon water in the fridge for up to 8 hours. Add cocoa just before serving.

4. Will this help with sugar cravings?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of apples and the deep flavor of cocoa can help curb your sweet tooth without added sugar.

5. Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, but you might want to reduce the cocoa amount slightly if they’re not used to bitter flavors.

6. Can I microwave the apples for a warm version?
Yes! Warm apple slices for about 20–30 seconds, then sprinkle cocoa for a comforting, dessert-like snack.

7. How many calories are in this snack?
One apple with 2 teaspoons of cocoa powder is roughly 100–120 calories, making it perfect for weight loss or mindful snacking.

8. Can I add a sweetener like honey or maple syrup?
You can, but it may affect your weight loss goals. If needed, opt for a drizzle of pure maple syrup.

9. What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
Arrange cocoa-dusted slices on a platter with small bowls of yogurt dip, nut butter, or crushed nuts for variety.

10. Is this snack keto-friendly?
Apples are higher in carbs, so this snack isn’t ideal for strict keto diets. However, it’s great for balanced, clean eating.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the simplest combinations create the most surprisingly delicious results. “Just Apples and Cocoa” is more than a quick snack—it’s a reminder that clean, nourishing food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re aiming to lose weight, cut out sugar, or just eat smarter, this easy pairing offers a satisfying crunch, a rich chocolatey taste, and plenty of health perks. Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to treat.