Description

Indulge in this creamy and cheesy Tini Mac and Cheese Recipe that brings a delightful twist to the classic comfort food. With a mix of mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and colby jack cheeses, this dish is both rich and flavorful. Whether served as a side or a main course, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The crispy, golden topping adds the perfect finish to every bite.

Ingredients

1 lb corkscrew or cavatappi pasta
1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 lb colby jack cheese, shredded
1/2 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 oz evaporated milk (1 can)
2 cups heavy cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Add Dairy: Slowly add evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar to the sauce, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss gently to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with additional shredded cheese, if desired. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Optional Broil: For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives and serve hot.

Notes

For an even cheesier dish, add more cheese between layers.
Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor.
Save some pasta water to thin out the sauce if it becomes too thick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Main dish, Side dish
Method: Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Comfort food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, tini mac and cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, cheese sauce, comfort food recipe