Description

This Viral Tini Mac and Cheese recipe features a creamy, cheesy blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses combined with a rich evaporated milk and heavy cream sauce. Perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta is layered with cheese and baked to bubbly perfection, then optionally broiled for a golden, crispy top. A flavorful twist with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard elevates this comforting classic that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 Lb Cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)

Cheese

1 Lb Mozzarella (16 OZ, shredded)
1 Lb Colby Jack (16 OZ, shredded)
1/2 Lb Sharp cheddar (8 OZ, shredded)

Sauce

12 Ounces Evaporated milk (1 Can)
2 Cups Heavy whipping cream
3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons All purpose flour
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon White pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Smoked paprika

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the cavatappi pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions, approximately 7 minutes for al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make Roux: In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until fully incorporated, forming a smooth paste (roux).
Add Evaporated Milk: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken.
Add Heavy Cream: Reduce heat to medium-low and gradually add the heavy whipping cream, whisking to combine smoothly.
Incorporate Cheese Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine all shredded cheeses and divide evenly in half. Add a handful of cheese to the sauce and whisk vigorously until melted and smooth. Repeat adding cheese in batches, ensuring each is fully melted before adding more. This process should take about 20 minutes to ensure cheese melts smoothly and flour is fully cooked.
Season Sauce: Once all cheese is blended into the sauce, add salt, white pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Stir to incorporate all flavors evenly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce.
Layer Mac and Cheese: Preheat oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the center. Using a 9×13 baking dish, add a layer of the sauced pasta, then top evenly with half of the reserved shredded cheese. Add another layer of pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake the assembled dish at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes until the cheese on top has fully melted and starts to brown slightly.
Optional Broil: For a golden, crispy top, broil on low for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Let the mac and cheese rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.

Notes

This recipe has gone viral on TikTok with over 100 million views, making it a trendy must-try for holiday meals and special occasions.
Using a combination of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar gives a balanced melty, creamy, and sharp flavor profile.
Cooking the cheese sauce slowly for about 20 minutes ensures a smooth texture and fully cooked flour, avoiding grit or lumps.
Broiling at the end is optional but adds a deliciously crisp and golden top layer for presentation and texture.
The recipe is scalable and can be adjusted for larger or smaller groups, maintaining cooking times proportionally.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 520
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg