🧀 Tini Younger's Viral Mac and Cheese
This creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe is a viral sensation, perfect for cozy gatherings and holidays. With a blend of rich cheeses and a velvety sauce, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Category: main
Ingredients
- 16 oz cavatappi pasta (substitutions: elbow macaroni)
- 16 oz colby jack cheese (substitutions: monterey jack cheese)
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella (substitutions: fresh mozzarella)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese (substitutions: medium cheddar cheese)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (substitutions: regular paprika)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (substitutions: fresh garlic)
- 1 tsp salt (substitutions: sea salt)
- ½ tsp black pepper (substitutions: white pepper)
- 3 tbsp salted butter (substitutions: unsalted butter)
- 3 tbsp flour (substitutions: gluten-free flour)
- 12 oz evaporated milk (substitutions: coconut milk)
- 2 cups heavy cream (substitutions: half-and-half)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (substitutions: yellow mustard)
Equipment
- 9x13 casserole dish
- large skillet
- whisk
- grater
- pot for boiling pasta
Instructions
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Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 casserole dish.
What to look for: The oven should be fully heated before placing the dish inside.
Watch out: Make sure to grease the dish well to prevent sticking.
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Step 2: Grate all cheeses, mixing and dividing them in half.
What to look for: Cheese should be finely grated for easy melting.
Watch out: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it may not melt as smoothly.
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Step 3: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
What to look for: Pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard.
Watch out: Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven.
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Step 4: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt 3 tbsp of butter and add half of the seasoning mix.
What to look for: Butter should be completely melted and bubbling slightly.
Watch out: Do not let the butter brown; keep the heat low.
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Step 5: Whisk in 3 tbsp of flour, cooking for 1–2 minutes until lightly bubbling.
What to look for: The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
Watch out: Avoid burning the flour; keep stirring constantly.
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Step 6: Slowly pour in the 12 oz can of evaporated milk and 2 cups of heavy cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
What to look for: The mixture should be creamy and well combined.
Watch out: Pour slowly to prevent lumps from forming.
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Step 7: Add the remaining seasonings and 1 tbsp of Dijon mustard, whisking until incorporated.
What to look for: The sauce should be well-seasoned and smooth.
Watch out: Taste as you go to adjust seasoning to your preference.
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Step 8: Bring the mixture to a low boil to thicken, then add half of the grated cheeses in portions until melted.
What to look for: The sauce should thicken and become cheesy.
Watch out: Do not let it boil too vigorously; it should be a gentle simmer.
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Step 9: Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
What to look for: Pasta should be fully covered in the creamy sauce.
Watch out: Be gentle to avoid breaking the pasta.
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Step 10: Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the greased casserole dish, sprinkle half of the remaining cheese, then layer the rest of the pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
What to look for: Layers should be even and cheese should be distributed well.
Watch out: Ensure the top layer has enough cheese for a bubbly crust.
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Step 11: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes; optionally broil for 3–4 minutes for golden, bubbly spots.
What to look for: The top should be golden and bubbly.
Watch out: Keep an eye on the broiler to prevent burning.
Original source: tiktok
Guided step-by-step with AI-powered photo feedback on Kitchen's Witch.