Description
This Tini mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food—extra creamy, super cheesy, and irresistibly delicious! Made famous on social media, this viral dish combines three types of cheese with evaporated milk and heavy cream for a silky-smooth texture. With a rich, gooey cheese pull and a perfectly golden crust, this baked mac and cheese is a must-try for any cheese lover.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)
- 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)
Cheese Blend:
- 16 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 16 oz Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Creamy Sauce:
- 1 can (300ml) evaporated milk
- 300ml heavy cream
- 4 tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (for spice)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan (for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta – Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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Prepare the Cheese Blend – In a bowl, mix mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheese. Set aside 1 cup for topping.
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Make the Creamy Mixture – In a separate bowl, whisk evaporated milk, heavy cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
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Layer the Pasta and Cheese – Spread half of the pasta in the baking dish, sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over it, and repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
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Pour the Creamy Mixture – Evenly distribute the milk mixture over the pasta and cheese layers.
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Bake the Mac and Cheese – Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the reserved cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Rest and Serve – Let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Freshly Grate the Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Boil until al dente to prevent a mushy texture after baking.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Add an extra ¼ cup of heavy cream before baking if you want an ultra-rich dish.
- Crispy Topping Option – For a crunchier texture, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.
- Reheating Tip – Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 620 kcal
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe