Tini’s Viral Cavatappi Mac and Cheese with Two Pounds of Hand-Grated Cheese Recipe
This viral macaroni and cheese recipe, popularized by TikTok user Tini, features a rich, creamy sauce made from a blend of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses, combined with evaporated milk and heavy cream. Using cavatappi pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni ensures every bite is loaded with cheesy, creamy goodness. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden broiled top, this dish is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that lives up to the hype and is perfect for any occasion, from potlucks to holiday dinners.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound cavatappi, cooked
Cheese
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
- 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, grated
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook pasta: Boil the cavatappi according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare cheeses and seasonings: In a bowl, combine all grated cheeses. Divide the mixture in half, placing one half in a separate bowl to reserve for layering. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then divide this seasoning into two portions, setting one half aside.
- Make roux and sauce: Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add half the seasoning mixture and the flour, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes paste-like, approximately 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Add heavy cream, the remaining seasonings, and Dijon mustard, stirring until fully combined and thickened.
- Add cheese to sauce: Slowly stir in half of the cheese, allowing it to melt completely before adding more. This ensures a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine pasta with cheese sauce: Mix the cooked cavatappi into the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Layer macaroni and cheese in baking dish: Begin by spreading a layer of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Then, add a layer of the reserved shredded cheese. Repeat the layers, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbly.
- Broil for golden top: Switch your oven to broil and broil the macaroni and cheese for about 2 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Notes
- Freshly grating the cheese (rather than using pre-shredded) improves meltability and texture.
- Cavatappi pasta is preferred over elbow macaroni as its corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce better.
- If you want a crispy topping, you may add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- This recipe can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; bake the next day adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.
- Use good quality cheeses for optimal flavor.
Keywords: mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, cavatappi, baked mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, viral recipe, cheese sauce
