Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s the dish that brings us comfort, a warm hug in a bowl after a long day. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a meal on its own, this Tini Mac and Cheese Recipe is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face! With a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar, it’s everything you could want in a cheesy masterpiece.
This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, the best part? It’s indulgently creamy, and the cavatappi pasta holds the cheese sauce just right—no dry noodles here!
Why You’ll Love This Tini Mac and Cheese Recipe
I’ll be honest—once you’ve tasted this tini mac and cheese recipe, it’s hard to go back to the boxed stuff. The richness of the blend of cheeses and the smoothness of the cream and butter make this the ultimate indulgence. Plus, it’s packed with flavor from garlic powder, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard—because a little seasoning never hurt anyone, right?
It’s not just about the flavors, though. This dish also brings back memories of cozy nights, watching movies with the family, or hosting friends for a comforting dinner. What’s not to love about that?
This homemade mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Tini Mac and Cheese Recipe
Let’s get to the good stuff—Tini’s mac and cheese recipe ingredients that will make your kitchen smell like a cheese lover’s dream.
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded (opt for a block from the deli for easier shredding)
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tini Mac and Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Tini Mac and Cheese
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this tini mac and cheese recipe. Don’t worry—this recipe might sound fancy, but it’s easy to make and the end result is so creamy and delicious, you’ll feel like a culinary genius!
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
The first step in any mac and cheese recipe is cooking the pasta. Grab a large pot and bring it to a boil with plenty of salted water. It’s important to salt the water—it’s like giving the pasta a little flavor boost from the inside out. Once the water is boiling, add your cavatappi pasta.
Cavatappi are those adorable, twisted tubes of pasta that are perfect for holding all the cheesy goodness in each bite. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, usually about 7-9 minutes, or until it’s al dente (meaning it still has a slight firmness to it, not mushy).
You want the pasta to be cooked just right because it will absorb some of that delicious cheese sauce once we mix everything together. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to save a little bit of pasta water in case you need to thin out the cheese sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now, let’s move on to the fun part: the cheese sauce. In the same pot you used to cook the pasta (why dirty another pot, right?), melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter over medium heat. This butter will act as the base for our creamy sauce, so get ready for the magic to happen.
Once the butter is melted, sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk it in until it forms a paste-like consistency. This is called a “roux,” and it helps thicken the sauce. Keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes to cook the flour a little bit, but don’t let it brown. We’re looking for a pale, smooth roux here.
Next, slowly add your dairy: pour in the 12 oz. can of evaporated milk and the 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir continuously as you do this to avoid lumps, and let the mixture cook for 3-4 minutes, or until it starts to thicken up. If you notice the sauce is getting too thick, you can always add a little bit of pasta water to loosen it up. It’s all about getting that perfect creamy texture!
Step 3: Add the Flavors
Once your sauce is nice and thickened, it’s time to add the seasonings that’ll take it to the next level. Add 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. This combination of spices gives the sauce a rich, savory flavor with a hint of smokiness from the paprika. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that balances out the richness of the cheese. Give everything a good stir to make sure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese
Here comes the best part: adding the cheese. You’ve got your mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar all shredded and ready to go, right? Now, slowly add the shredded cheeses into the sauce, stirring constantly until they melt completely.
The mozzarella adds a smooth, melty texture, the Colby Jack gives it a rich, buttery flavor, and the sharp cheddar brings a tangy kick. The cheese will melt into the sauce, turning it into a velvety smooth, cheesy delight. This is when you know you’re onto something amazing.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce
At this point, your cheese sauce should be thick, creamy, and gooey—just how we like it! Now, add the cooked cavatappi pasta back into the pot with the sauce, stirring to coat every twist of pasta with that glorious, cheesy mixture. You want to make sure that every piece of pasta is fully covered in the sauce, creating that ultimate creamy texture. If you feel like the sauce is too thick, you can always add a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen it up a bit. Just stir until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is perfectly combined, it’s time to plate up! Scoop a generous amount of the cheesy goodness onto plates or into bowls and sprinkle with some freshly chopped parsley. Not only does the parsley add a pop of color, but it also gives a fresh contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. Serve it hot, and watch it disappear from the plates faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
These fluffy chocolate chip muffins are perfect for beginners and ready in just 20 minutes.
A Few More Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Add-ins: If you want to elevate your mac and cheese even further, consider adding some extras like crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, or roasted vegetables. These little additions can make a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Baked Mac and Cheese: Want to take it to the next level? You can bake this mac and cheese for a crispy, golden topping. After mixing the pasta and sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in a pot, adding a splash of milk to bring it back to its creamy state.
This Tini Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, a potluck, or just because you’re craving comfort food, it’s a dish that’s bound to impress. Enjoy!
Tini Mac and Cheese: Tips & Tricks for Success
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Yes, I know it’s tempting to buy pre-shredded cheese, but trust me, freshly shredded cheese melts way better and gives you that smooth, creamy texture we all love.
- Make It Spicy: Want to give this dish a kick? Add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
- Save Time with a Cheese Blend: If you’re in a rush, some stores offer pre-mixed cheese blends (like a “mac and cheese” blend), which can be a real time-saver while still giving you that cheesy goodness.
- Make It Your Own: This recipe is highly adaptable—add in cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or even some roasted vegetables to customize it to your family’s taste!
FAQs
Can I Make This Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?
This mac and cheese is perfect for prepping ahead. Once it’s cooked, let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up if needed.
Can I Freeze Tini Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up in a pot, adding milk as necessary.
Why is My Mac and Cheese Not Creamy?
If your mac and cheese turns out a bit dry, it might be because the cheese wasn’t fully melted or the sauce was overcooked. Keep the heat low, and stir gently to prevent clumps or burning. Also, don’t skimp on the cream and milk—this is where the richness comes from!
Conclusion
This Tini Mac and Cheese recipe is a winner every time. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting—exactly what you need after a long day or when you’re entertaining guests. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Try it tonight, and watch your family devour it with delight.
This chocolate chip muffin is a must-try for anyone who loves a rich and decadent baked good.
