Description
Indulge in Tini’s Mac and Cheese, a sumptuous baked delight that combines the richness of mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses. This creamy dish is a quintessential comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. With its inviting aroma and velvety texture, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. In just under an hour, you can create this cheesy masterpiece that features a crispy topping, making every bite a delightful contrast. Customize it by adding your favorite mix-ins like bacon or vegetables to make it uniquely yours. Serve it up for potlucks or family feasts, and watch as everyone goes back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta (corkscrew or cavatappi)
- 1 lb shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb shredded colby jack cheese
- 1/2 lb shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Shred cheeses and combine in a bowl; set aside half for topping.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until bubbly.
- Gradually add evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking to avoid lumps.
- Stir in Dijon mustard and seasonings; let simmer until thickened.
- Add half of the shredded cheese to the sauce until melted.
- Mix cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Layer half the mac and cheese in a casserole dish, sprinkle with reserved cheese, top with remaining mac and cheese, and finish with the last of the cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown; broil optionally for an extra crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Feel free to swap cheeses for your favorites or add ingredients like broccoli for extra nutrition. For optimal flavor, don't rush the melting process; ensure each handful of cheese melts completely before adding more.