Tini's Famous Mac and Cheese

Directions

  1. 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. 2Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish
  3. 3Cook cavatappi according to package instructions.
  4. 4Drain and set aside.
  5. 5Combine all 3 shredded cheeses in a bowl and divide half into another bowl.
  6. 6Set aside
  7. 7Combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  8. 8Divide in half and set aside.
  9. 9Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  10. 10Once melted, add half of the season mixture and flour.
  11. 11Stir until the mixture becomes paste-like, about 3-5 minutes.
  12. 12Add evaporated milk and whisk until thick.
  13. 13Add heavy cream and the rest of the seasoning mixture and mix until combined.
  14. 14Whisk in Dijon mustard until thick.
  15. 15Slowly add in half the cheese, allowing it to melt before adding more.
  16. 16Stir in cavatappi until coated with cheese sauce.
  17. 17Add a layer of cavatappi and then a layer of shredded cheese to prepared baking dish.
  18. 18Repeat layers
  19. 19Bake in preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbly, about 25-30 min.
  20. 20Finish by broiling until top is golden brown, about 2 min.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb cavatappi pasta, cooked
  • 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
  • 16 ounces Colby jack cheese, grated
  • 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon pepper
  • 3 Tablespoons butter
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 can Carnation Evaporated Milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Equipment

9 x 13 inch baking dishbowllarge skillet