Tini’s Mac and Cheese
A viral sensation, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy texture, gooey cheese blend, and expertly layered technique, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking Dish (9x13-inch)
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta or any pasta of choice
Cheese Blend
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter salted
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly add half of the shredded cheese mixture. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta and pour half of the cheese sauce over it. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese on top.
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese sauce, and shredded cheese to create a second layer.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- For a crispy top, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing in crispy bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms before baking.