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Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 69 reviews

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy baked pasta dish featuring a blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Cooked al dente cavatappi pasta is enveloped in a savory cheese sauce infused with smoked paprika, garlic powder, dijon mustard, and other seasonings, then baked to bubbly, golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 oz cavatappi pasta

Cheese

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

Sauce

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

Seasonings

  • Smoked paprika, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Dijon mustard, 1-2 teaspoons

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish generously with butter to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
  3. Melt Butter and Season: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter and stir in half of the seasoning mixture (smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper) to infuse flavor.
  4. Create Roux and Add Liquids: Whisk in the flour, cooking until slightly bubbly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, ensuring the mixture stays smooth.
  5. Simmer and Add Seasonings: Bring the sauce to a low boil, then add the remaining seasonings and dijon mustard, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  6. Add Cheese: Gradually add half of the shredded cheese blend to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, coating all the cavatappi evenly.
  8. Layer in Casserole: Pour half of the cheesy pasta mixture into the greased casserole dish, sprinkle with half of the remaining shredded cheese, then layer with the remaining pasta and top with the last of the cheese.
  9. Bake and Broil: Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through. For a golden, bubbly finish, broil on high for 3 to 4 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Adjust seasoning quantities according to taste preference—start with smaller amounts and add more as needed.
  • Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly after baking as it will thicken and set, making serving easier.
  • For extra richness, substitute some of the heavy cream with whole milk if desired.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave; add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much upon cooling.

Keywords: macaroni and cheese, baked mac and cheese, creamy pasta, cheesy casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://amayaharis.com/tinis-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/