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Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese (90M+ Views on TikTok!)

This is TINI'S VIRAL MAC AND CHEESE with 90 MILLION views on TikTok! Three cheeses, corkscrew pasta, and a secret layering technique create the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese EVER. Since Tini's giving birth to twins this Thanksgiving, I'm sharing her legendary recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb mozzarella cheese block from the deli, freshly shredded
  • 1 lb Colby Jack cheese freshly shredded
  • 8 oz sharp yellow cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 lb cavatappi corkscrew pasta
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 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

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Shred the cheese. Shred all three cheeses (mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar) into a large bowl. Toss together to combine, then divide the cheese mixture in half between two bowls. Set aside.
  3. Cook the pasta. Cook the cavatappi pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Mix the seasonings. While the pasta cooks, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
  5. Make the roux. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the seasoning mixture and stir. Add the flour and whisk immediately. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
  6. Add the liquids. Pour in the evaporated milk and whisk constantly. Once it begins to thicken and bubble in the center, add the heavy cream, the remaining half of the seasonings, and the Dijon mustard. Whisk until thickened.
  7. Add the first batch of cheese. Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring until each handful is completely melted before adding the next. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
  8. Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is fully coated.
  9. Layer like Tini. Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining shredded cheese. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top, then finish with the rest of the cheese.
  10. Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
  11. Broil for the crust. Turn on the broiler and broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely so it doesn't burn!
  12. Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Get ready for the ultimate cheese pull!