Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a rich, baked macaroni dish made with three cheeses, heavy cream, and a blend of spices. Perfectly creamy with a golden, bubbly top, this comfort food classic is ideal for dinner, sides, or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (yellow preferred), shredded
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Shred mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheese. Mix together in a large bowl, then divide in half.
- Cook cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the seasoning mix and stir.
- Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until the roux is bubbling.
- Add evaporated milk while whisking. Once it thickens and bubbles, add heavy cream, remaining seasoning mix, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until thickened.
- Gradually add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until well coated.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining cheese. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbling. Broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Broil at the end carefully to avoid burning the top.
- Make ahead and refrigerate before baking for easy meal prep.
- Try mixing in cooked bacon or breadcrumbs for added flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
