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ini’s Macaroni and Cheese

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

Tini’s Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy comfort dish that brings family together with its customizable flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Cavatappi Pasta Feel free to substitute with elbow macaroni.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Consider using Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Swap it with Gouda or Fontina for a different taste experience.
  • 1 can Evaporated Milk Can be replaced with whole milk or heavy cream.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Use half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Vegan butter or olive oil works well for a dairy-free option.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour No substitutions needed here.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika Regular paprika or cayenne can be used.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can be substituted for a fresher taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh minced onion is a great alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your liking.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to your liking.

Equipment

  • oven
  • Casserole Dish
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • box grater
  • colander

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish with butter.
  2. Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, mixing them together and setting aside half for layering.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cavatappi until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain well.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat, add spices and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps.
  6. Once the sauce thickens, stir in remaining spices and half of the reserved cheese until melted.
  7. Fold in the drained cavatappi, ensuring it is well coated with the cheese sauce.
  8. Layer half of the macaroni mixture in the casserole dish, sprinkle half of the reserved cheese, then layer the remaining mixture and cheese.
  9. Bake for 30 minutes, then broil on high for 3-4 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 400mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Customize with vegetables or proteins as desired.

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