Tini’s Mac & Cheese broke the Internet in 2024, and for good reason. It’s a terrific, rich, and delicious casserole. I make this diet-busting mac & cheese with a twist, ‘cause what’s a few more calories? Loosen your belt buckle and add smoked sausage to this dish and the flavors will really sing!
This mac and cheese is ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy family dinner. The combination of cheeses creates a rich and gooey texture, while the spices add a subtle kick that sets it apart from the classic version. Plus, using cavatappi pasta not only gives it a fun appearance but also helps hold onto the luscious cheese sauce in every bite.
Ingredients
- Cavatappi pasta – Sometimes called Scooby Doo pasta.
- Mozzarella cheese – Shredded.
- Colby jack cheese – Shredded.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded. Shred it yourself for the best texture.
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
- Flour
- Evaporated milk – Just one of the small cans.
- Heavy cream – Don’t hold back – this diet-busting mac & cheese is a real winner!
- Dijon mustard
- Smoked sausage – About 1/2 a pound will do it. Dice it and toss it in before baking – it’s so good!
How to Make Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the grated mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses in a large bowl. Divide the mixture in half, setting aside one portion for topping.
- Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Divide the seasoning mixture in half.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in half of the seasoning mixture and the flour. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste, about 3-5 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until the mixture thickens. Add the heavy cream and the remaining seasoning mixture, stirring until fully combined. Whisk in the Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Slowly add half of the cheese blend to the sauce, allowing each addition to melt before adding more. Stir until the sauce is creamy and fully incorporated.
- Stir the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the reserved cheese blend. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for an additional 2 minutes to create a golden, crispy top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving, allowing the sauce to set.
Step-By-Step Process
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For more smoky flavor, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or smoked ham to the pasta mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the spice mixture.
- To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Recommended
Make It A Meal
Pair Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist with a fresh and vibrant side dish like the Grilled Asparagus and Potato Salad. The smoky grilled asparagus and hearty potatoes complement the rich creaminess of the mac and cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
Storage
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed to maintain creaminess. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Tini’s Mac & Cheese with a Twist
Ingredients
- 1 pounds 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
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 8 ounces smoked sausage diced
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, cool under cold running water, and set aside.
- Mix the grated mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar cheeses in a large bowl. Divide the mixture in half, setting aside one portion for topping.
- Combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the seasoning mixture and the flour. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture becomes a smooth paste, about 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until the mixture thickens. Add the heavy cream, then whisk in the Dijon mustard until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
- Turn off the heat then add half of the cheese blend to the sauce; stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted into the sauce.
- Stir the cooked cavatappi pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle with half of the reserved cheese blend. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for an additional 2 minutes to create a golden, crispy top, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Chef Jenn’s Tips
- For more smoky flavor, consider adding cooked, crumbled bacon or smoked ham to the pasta mixture before baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the spice mixture.
- To ensure a smooth cheese sauce, make sure to grate the cheese yourself rather than using pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.