Tini's Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dairy and Pasta
01 -
12 ounces of evaporated milk (around one can)
02 -
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
03 -
2 cups of thick heavy cream
04 -
1 pound of shredded colby jack cheese
05 -
1/2 pound of sharp cheddar cheese
06 -
1 pound of tender cavatappi or corkscrew pasta
07 -
1 pound mozzarella cheese cubes
→ Other Ingredients and Spices
08 -
3 tablespoons of basic all-purpose flour
09 -
1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
10 -
1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
11 -
1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika spice
12 -
1/4 teaspoon of plain salt
13 -
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder for flavor
# Instructions:
01 -
Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat. Boil a big pot of water with salt on high heat. Cook your pasta as the packet says, then drain it well.
02 -
Use the large holes of your box grater to shred all the cheeses while water boils. Put them into a big bowl, mix them, split the mix into 2 portions, and set them aside.
03 -
Grab a small bowl and combine smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Put it somewhere nearby.
04 -
Melt butter in a warm pan set to medium heat. Sprinkle in half the spice blend and stir it around. Toss in the flour and keep stirring until the mix bubbles and comes together nicely.
05 -
Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking until it’s smooth, then add heavy cream. Stir in mustard and the rest of the seasonings. Let the mix simmer gently and whisk occasionally until it thickens.
06 -
Turn the heat down low. Add half of the cheese blend in small portions, making sure each bit melts fully before adding the next.
07 -
Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring around so it gets completely coated and creamy.
08 -
Spoon half the cheesy pasta mixture into a casserole dish. Sprinkle with half your leftover cheese mix. Add the rest of the pasta and top with the last cheese. Bake for about 25-30 minutes until it bubbles. For a crispier surface, broil for 2 extra minutes.
# Notes:
01 -
Makes roughly 10 portions if served as a side, 5-6 if it's your main dish
02 -
Wait a bit after baking—it'll still be crazy hot!