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Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese: A deliciously cheesy dish served in a bowl.

Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese combines three types of cheese with spices for an irresistibly creamy dish that captures the nostalgia of childhood comfort food.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

Cheese

  • 1 pound Mozzarella Cheese
  • 1 pound Colby Jack Cheese
  • 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Pasta

  • 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons Salted Butter
  • 3 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk
  • 2 cups Heavy Cream

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Coarse Salt
  • ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard

Garnish

  • Fresh Chopped Parsley Fresh Chopped Parsley For garnish

Method

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F for even baking.
  • Grate and divide all the cheeses, keeping half in one bowl for topping.
  • Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, then drain it well.
  • In a small bowl, mix the spices and divide it in half for two uses.

Making the Sauce

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet and whisk in half of the spice blend until it gets fragrant.
  • Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux.
  • Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Stir in the remaining spices and the Dijon mustard; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  • Melt the cheeses into the sauce a handful at a time until it’s smooth and creamy.

Combining and Baking

  • Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
  • Assemble the dish by layering half of the mac and cheese and one-third of the reserved cheese, then repeat the layers.
  • Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until it’s bubbly around the edges.
  • Broil for 1-2 minutes until the top layer is golden brown; keep a close watch.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 24gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For extra creaminess, don’t rush the melting of the cheese; take your time to let it combine well with the sauce. You can mix different types of cheese based on your preference.
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