Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese (Viral Recipe) Recipe
Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring cavatappi pasta layered with a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Enhanced with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dijon mustard, this comforting casserole is perfectly baked to golden, bubbly perfection for a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta
Cheeses
- 16 oz colby jack cheese, grated
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Seasonings and Dairy
- 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
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Cheeses: Grate all cheeses and combine them in a bowl, reserving half of the mixture to use for layering in the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Melt Butter and Add Seasonings: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and add half of the smoked paprika and garlic powder seasoning.
- Create Roux: Whisk in flour (quantity not specified but typically 2-3 tablespoons) into the melted butter and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and slightly golden to form a roux.
- Add Dairy and Flavorings: Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then stir in the remaining smoked paprika, garlic powder, and dijon mustard.
- Melt Cheese Sauce: Stir in half of the mixed cheeses until melted, creating a creamy cheese sauce, then mix in the cooked pasta evenly.
- Layer Macaroni: Spread half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle with half of the reserved mixed cheeses on top.
- Top and Finish: Add the remaining macaroni mixture over the cheese layer and finish by sprinkling the leftover cheese on top.
- Bake and Broil: Bake the casserole for about 30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Optionally broil the top for an additional 3-4 minutes to achieve a crisp, browned crust.
Notes
- Use salted butter to add subtle flavor; if using unsalted butter, adjust salt accordingly.
- The roux likely uses about 2-3 tablespoons of flour, which is typical for this amount of liquid.
- Broiling is optional but recommended for a crunchy cheese topping.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to prevent over-softness after baking.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and texture.
Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy pasta casserole, cavatappi pasta recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta bake
