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Tini's Viral Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Tini’s Viral Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: AlmaHerzog
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

With three cheeses, heavy cream, and carefully selected spices, each bite of Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a decadent experience. This homemade baked mac and cheese is a creamy, gooey comfort food favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound mozzarella cheese
  • 1 pound Colby Jack cheese
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • ½ 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

  1. Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Shred Cheese: Shred the blocks of mozzarella cheese, Colby Jack cheese, and sharp cheddar into a large mixing bowl, toss together, and transfer half to a separate bowl.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Mix Spices: Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, coarse salt, and ground black pepper in a small prep bowl.
  5. Melt Butter: Melt salted butter in a skillet, add half the seasoning mix and stir.
  6. Cook Roux: Add all-purpose flour and whisk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling.
  7. Thicken Sauce: Add evaporated milk and whisk constantly. Once it begins to thicken and bubble, add heavy cream, the remaining half of the seasoning, and Dijon mustard, whisking until thickened.
  8. Combine Cheese: Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and thick.
  9. Mix Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
  10. Layer: Transfer half the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking pan and layer with a third of the remaining cheese. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top, then finish with the remaining cheese.
  11. Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  12. Garnish: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Freshly shredding the cheese is recommended for a smoother melt. You can substitute 1 teaspoon of mustard powder for the Dijon mustard. Mozzarella cheese can be reduced by up to 1/2 pound if desired.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 649 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 832 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 27 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 137 mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked macaroni, comfort food, cheesy pasta, Tini's mac and cheese

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Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/tinis-viral-creamy-baked-mac-and-cheese-492649953444282/