Tinis Macaroni and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Bake
Tinis macaroni and cheese is the pinnacle of comfort food, featuring a velvety, indulgent three-cheese blend of colby jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar. By using a traditional roux base combined with evaporated milk and heavy cream, this recipe ensures a smooth, non-grainy texture. The inclusion of Dijon mustard and smoked paprika adds a subtle, savory complexity that perfectly balances the rich dairy, resulting in a restaurant-quality bake that is guaranteed to impress at any dinner table.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
16 oz Cavatappi Pasta
16 oz Colby Jack Cheese, freshly grated
16 oz Mozzarella Cheese, block style, freshly grated
8 oz Sharp Cheddar, freshly grated
3 tbsp Salted Butter
3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour
12 oz Evaporated Milk
2 cups Heavy Cream
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1 tsp Smoked Paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter.
Grate all cheeses, combine in a bowl, and divide into two equal portions.
Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain thoroughly, and set aside.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
Stir half of the seasoning mixture (salt, pepper, garlic, paprika) into the melted butter.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Slowly whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Stir in the Dijon mustard and the remaining seasoning mix.
Remove from heat and fold in one half of the cheese mixture until melted into the sauce.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
Always grate your own cheese from blocks to avoid anti-caking agents, which can prevent a smooth melt. If you prefer a crunchier top, you can add a handful of panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Find it online: https://elitesrecipes.com/tinis-macaroni-and-cheese/