Description
Tini’s ultimate mac and cheese blends creamy cheddar, smoky gouda, and parmesan into a comforting classic. Crispy breadcrumb topping and rich cheese sauce invite you to savor each indulgent bite of this irresistible pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1 pound colby jack cheese (shredded)
- 0.5 pound cheddar cheese (sharp, shredded)
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (corkscrew/cavatappi preferred)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces (354 milliliters) evaporated milk
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
Seasonings:
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then thoroughly drain.
- Grate mozzarella, colby jack, and cheddar cheeses using a box grater’s coarse side. Combine the shredded cheeses in a bowl, then divide into two equal portions.
- Create a seasoning blend by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl.
- Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Incorporate half of the seasoning mix, then add flour while stirring continuously until it bubbles and blends smoothly.
- Gradually whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream to prevent lumps. Stir in Dijon mustard and remaining seasoning. Simmer the sauce, whisking periodically until it thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and melt half of the shredded cheese into the sauce, adding handful by handful and ensuring complete melting between additions.
- Fold the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is evenly coated.
- Transfer half the mac and cheese to a casserole dish. Sprinkle half the remaining cheese, add the rest of the mac and cheese, then top with the final cheese portion.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. Broil for 2 minutes to create a golden, crispy crust. Allow to rest briefly before serving.
Notes
- Choose high-quality, sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and richer cheese pull.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere or fontina for unique taste profiles.
- Grate cheese fresh to avoid anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
- Allow sauce to thicken naturally without rushing to ensure perfect creamy consistency.
- Avoid overcooking pasta during initial boiling to prevent mushy texture when baking.
- Use whole milk or full-fat dairy for maximum richness and luxurious mouthfeel.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and golden-brown textural contrast.
- Season generously but taste as you go to control salt levels precisely.
- Rest dish briefly after baking to let cheese set and prevent burning your mouth.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg