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Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Creamy Tini’s Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort Food Love

Tini's Mac and Cheese is a creamy comfort food masterpiece, perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Sauce
  • 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese choose a block for better shreddability
  • 8 oz Colby Jack Cheese excellent melting quality
  • 8 oz Sharp Cheddar opt for yellow for visual pizzazz
  • 4 tbsp Salted Butter essential for the roux
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour thickens the cheese sauce
  • 12 oz Evaporated Milk adds richness
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream enhances texture
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard adds tanginess
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder elevates flavor
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika imparts smokiness
  • 1 tsp Coarse Salt for seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper provides a kick
For the Pasta
  • 1 lb Cavatappi Pasta spiral shape for sauce cling
For Garnish
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Chopped Parsley adds freshness

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • rotary grater
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Shred the mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese. Mix half together and set aside the other half.
  3. Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  4. Mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, coarse salt, and ground black pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Melt salted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Stir in half of the seasoning mix, then add flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Gradually whisk in evaporated milk until thickened (3-4 minutes). Then add heavy cream and remaining seasoning mix, whisking for a few more minutes.
  7. Stir in half the shredded cheese mixture into the sauce until melted and smooth.
  8. Fold the drained cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until well-coated.
  9. Transfer half of the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle a third of the reserved cheese on top. Layer with the remaining pasta mixture and finish with the rest of the cheese.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden. Broil for 1-2 minutes for a crisp finish.
  11. Let sit for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 600mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Choose high-quality cheese for better flavor. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, and freeze for up to 3 months.

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