Description
Tinis Macaroni and Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that brings nostalgia and comfort to every bite. With a blend of cheeses and a crispy topping, it’s the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz Cavatappi Pasta
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 12 oz Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 2 cups Grated Cheeses (divided)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the 12 oz Cavatappi Pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and taste a piece before draining to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tbsp of Butter in a separate large saucepan over medium heat. Let it melt completely and begin to bubble, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let it brown, as we want a clean flavor for our roux.
- Once the butter is melted, whisk in 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour. Keep whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, resembling a paste. This is your roux, and it should not change color, just become fragrant.
- Slowly pour in 12 oz Evaporated Milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps. After about 2 minutes, add 1 cup Heavy Cream gradually. The mixture should begin to thicken; keep cooking and stirring for 3-5 minutes until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Stir in 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard and mix well. Now, it's time to add your cheeses! Gradually fold in 2 cups of Grated Cheeses, reserving 1/2 cup for topping later. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated with the delicious sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare for baking. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning; the perfect mac and cheese should have a nice crust but still be gooey inside.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your Tinis Macaroni And Cheese!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: For the best flavor, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded. You can substitute Cavatappi with elbow macaroni if needed, and consider adding cooked bacon or sautéed broccoli for variations.