Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese (Viral Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy classic that’s perfect for family meals or gatherings. With a blend of rich cheeses and a smooth sauce, it’s easy to make and sure to please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 16 oz box cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
• 16 oz colby jack cheese (two 8-ounce blocks)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded hard block)
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoons salted butter (plus more for greasing)
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Grate all cheeses and mix them together in a bowl. Divide the mixture in half for layering later and store in the fridge until needed.
3. Step 3: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain well, and set aside.
4. Step 4: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter and stir in half of the seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper). Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling lightly.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Add remaining seasoning and dijon mustard. Bring to a low boil until the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Gradually add half the cheese mixture to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
7. Step 7: Gently fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is coated evenly.
8. Step 8: Layer half the macaroni mixture into the casserole dish, sprinkle with half the remaining cheese, add the rest of the macaroni, and top with the remaining cheese.
9. Step 9: Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. Optionally, broil for 3-4 minutes at the end to achieve a bubbly, golden crust.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality, block cheeses and shred them yourself for the best melt and flavor.
• Try different pasta shapes like shells or penne for varied textures.
• Add an extra splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese for a creamier sauce.
• Adjust seasonings to taste, increasing garlic powder or smoked paprika for bolder flavor.
• Prepare the dish ahead of time, store in the fridge, and bake just before serving to save time.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture. Avoid microwaving to preserve the creamy consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe uses colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar for balance, you can substitute or add cheeses like gouda, fontina, or gruyere for unique flavors.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that may affect melting. For the creamiest sauce, grating block cheese yourself is recommended.

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese (Viral Recipe) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 54 reviews

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, decadent, and family-friendly dish featuring a blend of Colby Jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses combined with a creamy sauce made from evaporated milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden, crispy top, it can be served as a main or side dish and even prepared ahead, making it a versatile favorite for any occasion.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta

• 16 oz box cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 16 oz Colby Jack cheese (two 8-ounce blocks)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese (shredded, use hard block mozzarella)
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese

For Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Base

• 3 tablespoons salted butter (plus more for greasing the baking dish)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
2. Prepare Your Cheeses: Grate all cheeses – Colby Jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar – and mix them together in a bowl. Divide this cheese mixture in half. Store one half in a zip-top bag in the fridge for layering later.
3. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Stir in half of the seasoning mixture (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it lightly bubbles and forms a roux.
5. Add Dairy Ingredients: Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, ensuring the sauce stays smooth. Stir in the remaining seasoning and the Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a low boil, allowing it to thicken slightly while stirring frequently.
6. Combine Cheeses: Add half of the grated cheese mixture gradually into the sauce, using a spatula to help melt the cheese fully until the sauce is rich and smooth.
7. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Gently fold the drained pasta into the creamy cheese sauce until all pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
8. Layer in Casserole Dish: Transfer half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over the top. Add the remaining macaroni and cheese on top, followed by the final layer of cheese to finish.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. For a crispy golden top, optionally broil for 3-4 minutes at the end. Remove and let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more garlic powder or smoked paprika for bolder flavors.
• Use high-quality block cheeses and shred them yourself for the best melt and flavor.
• Feel free to substitute the pasta with shells or penne for different textures.
• Add an extra splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese during the sauce preparation for a richer, creamier dish.
• Watch the casserole carefully during broiling to prevent burning the top.
• This dish can be prepared ahead of time; refrigerate after assembling and bake when ready to serve.

Keywords: Macaroni and Cheese, Tini’s Mac and Cheese, cheesy pasta bake, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, family recipe, creamy cheese sauce