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Freshly baked Tini’s mac and cheese with golden crust.

Tini's Mac and Cheese

Tini's mac and cheese recipe has taken the internet by storm with its rich, creamy texture and perfect blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses. Follow this step-by-step guide to recreate this viral sensation at home!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Baking Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 680 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Dish

Ingredients
  

Cheese Blend

  • 16 oz Mozzarella cheese freshly grated
  • 16 oz Colby Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 8 oz Cheddar cheese sharp, freshly grated

Pasta

  • 1 lb Cavatappi pasta or corkscrew pasta

Sauce Base

  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 12 oz Evaporated milk
  • 1 1/4 cups Thickened cream

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Mustard powder

Instructions
 

  • Boil cavatappi pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  • In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until smooth and lightly golden.
  • Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and thickened cream. Cook until the mixture thickens, stirring frequently.
  • Reduce heat to low. Gradually add mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Combine pasta and cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt. Layering the pasta and cheese sauce helps create a creamy, flavorful dish.
Keyword Cheesy, Comfort Food, Pasta