{"id":"d9031e88-48b2-44c5-afd2-2ae1b9b282bd","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/d9031e88-48b2-44c5-afd2-2ae1b9b282bd","source_url":"https://www.sugarandsoul.co/tinis-mac-and-cheese/","title":"Tini's Mac and Cheese","description":"With three cheeses, heavy cream, and carefully selected spices, each bite of Tini's Mac and Cheese is a decadent experience. Follow this recipe and embark on the journey of crafting a homemade baked mac and cheese that stands out from the rest!","servings":12,"servings_text":"12","prep_time":"PT15M","cook_time":"PT40M","total_time":"PT55M","image_url":"https://www.sugarandsoul.co/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/tinis-tiktok-mac-and-cheese-23.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1 pound mozzarella cheese (Get a block from the deli; it's harder, cheaper, and easier to shred than the softer packaged balls.)","item":"mozzarella cheese","quantity":1,"unit":"lb","preparation":"Get a block from the deli; it's harder, cheaper, and easier to shred than the softer packaged balls."},{"text":"1 pound Colby Jack cheese","item":"Colby Jack cheese","quantity":1,"unit":"lb"},{"text":"8 ounces sharp cheddar (yellow preferred)","item":"sharp cheddar","quantity":8,"unit":"oz","preparation":"yellow preferred"},{"text":"1 pound cavatappi pasta","item":"cavatappi pasta","quantity":1,"unit":"lb"},{"text":"1 teaspoon garlic powder","item":"garlic powder","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 teaspoon smoked paprika","item":"smoked paprika","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 teaspoon coarse salt","item":"coarse salt","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"½ teaspoon ground black pepper","item":"ground black pepper","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"3 tablespoons salted butter","item":"salted butter","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"3 tablespoons all-purpose flour","item":"all-purpose flour","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk","item":"evaporated milk","quantity":1,"unit":"can","metric_alternate":{"quantity":12,"unit":"oz"}},{"text":"2 cups heavy cream","item":"heavy cream","quantity":2,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 tablespoon Dijon mustard","item":"Dijon mustard","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)","item":"fresh chopped parsley","preparation":"for garnish"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat the oven to 350°F."},{"number":2,"text":"Shred the blocks of cheese: 1 pound mozzarella cheese, 1 pound Colby Jack cheese, and 8 ounces sharp cheddar into a large mixing bowl, then toss together and transfer half to a separate bowl."},{"number":3,"text":"Cook 1 pound cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside."},{"number":4,"text":"While the pasta is cooking, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon coarse salt, and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper in a small prep bowl and set aside."},{"number":5,"text":"Melt 3 tablespoons salted butter in a skillet, then add half the seasoning mix and stir."},{"number":6,"text":"Add 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and immediately whisk and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, the butter/flour mixture should be bubbling."},{"number":7,"text":"Add the 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk and whisk constantly. Once it begins to thicken and bubble in the middle of the pan, add 2 cups heavy cream, the remaining half of the seasoning, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and whisk until thickened."},{"number":8,"text":"Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, a handful at a time, and stir until completely melted and thick."},{"number":9,"text":"Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat."},{"number":10,"text":"Transfer half the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking pan and layer with a third of the remaining cheese. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top then finish with the rest of the cheese."},{"number":11,"text":"Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to give the mac and cheese a nice bubbly, golden brown top."},{"number":12,"text":"Garnish with fresh chopped parsley."}],"date_published":"2026-10-29T23:42:14.557888+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-29T23:42:14.557888+00:00"}