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Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Jaden
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Tini Mac and Cheese recipe is a rich, creamy, and indulgent twist on the classic comfort food, combining a blend of mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses with a creamy evaporated milk and heavy cream sauce. Perfectly baked to golden perfection with a crispy cheese topping, this viral recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and holiday gatherings.

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)

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients

  • 12 Ounces Evaporated milk (1 can)
  • 2 Cups Heavy whipping cream
  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons All purpose flour

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 7 minutes for cavatappi. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving it for later use.
  2. Make Roux: In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously until you form a smooth paste with no lumps, ensuring the flour is fully incorporated.
  3. Add Evaporated Milk: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, continuing to stir until the sauce starts to bubble and thicken, which creates the base for your cheese sauce.
  4. Add Heavy Cream: Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream, maintaining a gentle simmer for the sauce to combine smoothly.
  5. Prepare Cheese: In a bowl, combine all shredded cheeses and divide evenly into two halves; one half will be incorporated into the sauce and the other half reserved for layering and topping the bake.
  6. Add Cheese to Sauce: Gradually add handfuls of cheese to the sauce, whisking vigorously until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding more. This slow incorporation prevents curdling and ensures creaminess. This process should take around 20 minutes.
  7. Season Sauce: Once all the cheese has been incorporated, season the cheese sauce with salt, garlic powder, white pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to combine and enhance the flavor.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until every noodle is evenly coated in the rich sauce.
  9. Prepare Baking Dish Layers: Preheat your oven to 375°F with the rack positioned in the center. Use a 9×13 baking dish and spread a layer of the pasta mixture. Sprinkle half of the reserved shredded cheese over this first layer.
  10. Add Second Layer and Cheese: Add another layer of the pasta mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining half of the shredded cheese to create a cheesy crust.
  11. Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 375°F for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top cheese is melted and slightly browned.
  12. Broil for Golden Top (Optional): For an extra golden and crispy top, broil the mac and cheese on low for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  13. Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for about 10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • This viral Mac and Cheese recipe by creator Tini has amassed over 100 million views on TikTok, making it a trendy and must-try dish for holidays and special occasions.
  • Using evaporated milk along with heavy cream creates a creamy and velvety cheese sauce with a balanced richness.
  • Be patient with the cheese incorporation process to avoid a grainy texture; adding cheese slowly helps with smooth melting.
  • Broiling the top cheese layer is optional but highly recommended for a crisp and golden crust.
  • Resting the mac and cheese before serving helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

Find it online: https://yummyhere.com/viral-mac-and-cheese-recipe/