Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese (Viral Recipe) Recipe

Introduction

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that has taken the internet by storm. This recipe combines multiple cheeses and a touch of smoky seasoning for a rich, indulgent flavor perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 16 oz cavatappi pasta
• 16 oz colby jack cheese
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Grate all cheeses and mix them in a bowl, reserving half for layering later.
3. Step 3: Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
4. Step 4: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the smoked paprika and garlic powder.
5. Step 5: Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes bubbly and fragrant.
6. Step 6: Gradually add evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly until smooth, then bring the mixture to a low boil.
7. Step 7: Stir in half of the mixed cheeses until melted, then fold in the cooked pasta evenly.
8. Step 8: Spread half of the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese.
9. Step 9: Add the rest of the macaroni mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the leftover cheese evenly.
10. Step 10: Bake for about 30 minutes, then optionally broil for 3-4 minutes for a golden, bubbly topping.

Tips & Variations

• For a sharper flavor, add a bit more sharp cheddar or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Mix in cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra savory depth.
• Keep the broil step optional to avoid burning the cheese on top.

Storage

Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if it seems dry.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any sturdy pasta shape like elbow macaroni, shells, or penne can be used. Just adjust cooking time to ensure it reaches al dente.

Is evaporated milk necessary?

Evaporated milk adds creaminess and richness, but you can substitute with regular milk or half-and-half if needed, though the texture may be slightly lighter.

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese (Viral Recipe) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 127 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made with cavatappi pasta and a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. This baked macaroni and cheese recipe features a rich cheese sauce made with evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a hint of dijon mustard, all topped with a seasoned cheese crust. It’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for family meals or gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheese Mix

• 16 oz colby jack cheese, grated
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Seasonings & Flavorings

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

Dairy & Fats

• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Grate and Mix Cheeses: Grate all the cheeses—colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar—and combine them in a bowl. Reserve half of this cheese mixture for layering later in the dish.
3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta well and set aside.
4. Make Seasoned Butter Mixture: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the smoked paprika and garlic powder, stirring to combine and infuse the butter with flavor.
5. Create Cheese Sauce Base: Whisk in flour to the seasoned melted butter in the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until bubbling to cook out the raw flour taste.
6. Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and brings to a gentle low boil, which helps thicken the sauce.
7. Melt Cheese and Combine Pasta: Stir half of the mixed cheeses into the sauce until melted and smooth, then fold in the cooked cavatappi pasta, ensuring it’s evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
8. Layer Macaroni Mixture: Spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle half of the reserved cheese mixture over the top to create a cheesy layer.
9. Top and Finish Baking: Add the remaining macaroni mixture on top followed by the rest of the reserved cheese mixture for a golden cheese crust.
10. Bake and Broil: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Optionally broil for 3-4 minutes at the end to achieve a crispy, browned cheese topping. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
• Adjust the seasoning blend if you prefer more or less smokiness or garlic flavor.
• Broil at the end carefully to avoid burning the cheese topping.
• For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, though it may affect richness.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cavatappi pasta, cheese sauce, Tini’s macaroni and cheese, creamy pasta bake