Description

Tini Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent baked macaroni and cheese recipe that has gained viral fame on TikTok. Featuring a blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses combined with evaporated milk and heavy cream, this dish delivers a rich and velvety cheese sauce coated over cavatappi pasta, baked to a golden bubbly perfection. It’s perfect for holiday meals or comforting family 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)

Dairy

12 Ounces Evaporated milk (1 Can)
2 Cups Heavy whipping cream
3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter

Seasonings and Others

1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon White pepper
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
3 Tablespoons All purpose flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the cavatappi pasta in salted water according to package instructions, approximately 7 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the Roux: In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
Add Evaporated Milk: Slowly incorporate the evaporated milk while whisking. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to bubble, indicating it’s starting to thicken.
Add Heavy Cream and Simmer: Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually add the heavy whipping cream while whisking continuously. Let the sauce cook gently.
Incorporate Cheese Gradually: Combine all the shredded cheeses in a bowl and divide into two equal portions. Start by adding a handful of cheese to the sauce and whisk vigorously until melted and smooth before adding more. Repeat until all the first half of the cheese is fully incorporated. This process takes about 20 minutes to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce and fully cooked flour.
Season the Cheese Sauce: Stir in salt, white pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce, blending all flavors thoroughly.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly.
Layer for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F and place the oven rack in the center. In a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the cheese-coated pasta. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese on top. Add the rest of the pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake: Bake for about 20 minutes at 375°F until the cheese on top has melted and starts to turn golden brown.
Optional Broil: For an extra golden and slightly crisp top, broil on low for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

This recipe went viral on TikTok with over 100 million views, making it a popular and must-try comfort food for holidays and family gatherings.
Using a combination of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar delivers a rich flavor and smooth melt.
Slowly adding cheese in increments ensures a velvety smooth sauce without clumping.
Resting the dish after baking helps the sauce thicken and improves texture for serving.
Be cautious when broiling; a minute or two is usually enough to brown the top without burning.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 480
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 30 g
Saturated Fat: 19 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg