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Creamy Mac Cheese

Featured in Saucy pasta that hits the spot.

Three cheeses melt together into the dreamiest sauce for perfectly cooked pasta. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar mix to create a balance of smooth and sharp flavors. A little mustard powder and garlic give it an extra kick, while a crispy breadcrumb layer adds awesome texture. Fresh herbs or hot sauce can tweak it to your taste, making this an easy comfort food favorite.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Tue, 03 Jun 2025 12:15:02 GMT
A spoon pulling out gooey macaroni with crispy breadcrumbs on top from a cheesy dish. Pin it
A spoon pulling out gooey macaroni with crispy breadcrumbs on top from a cheesy dish. | tasteofsavor.com

Tini’s famous three-cheese mac and cheese is everywhere online right now. Packed with all kinds of melty cheese, zippy seasonings, and bouncy pasta swirls, social cook Tini’s version is the comfort food everyone’s obsessed with these days.

Awesome Reasons To Try This

This might be the most drool-worthy mac and cheese out there. That gooey melt, the bright cheesy look, and it fits for any occasion—home dinner, potluck, or game night. Folks can’t get enough, and it’s blowing up feeds everywhere. The cheese melts like a dream, and the top crisps up so nicely. Sure, grating your own cheese takes a sec, but it’s totally worth those extra minutes.

Stuff You'll Need

  • Parsley: Sprinkle fresh bits on top to finish.
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Don’t have it? Regular works too.
  • Heavy Cream: 2 cups. Makes everything so rich.
  • Evaporated Milk: 12 oz can. Helps the sauce stay velvety.
  • Flour: About 3 tablespoons—just basic white flour.
  • Butter: Just 3 tablespoons. Grab salted if you can.
  • Black Pepper: Half a teaspoon. Go fresh if possible.
  • Salt: You’ll want a teaspoon. Basic table salt is fine.
  • Smoked Paprika: 1 teaspoon, for a touch of smoky vibe.
  • Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, punches up the flavors.
  • Pasta: Roughly a pound of those curly ones. Macaroni is a good backup.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Go for 8 ounces, grab a block to shred.
  • Colby Jack: Get a pound of this and shred it too. It’s tangy.
  • Mozzarella: About 1 pound, shredded for stretch and creaminess.

How To Do It

Finish Up:
Toss some chopped parsley over the top and serve steamy.
Brown It:
Pop under the broiler for two minutes if you want the top extra crispy.
Bake It:
Throw it in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
Layer Everything:
Start with half of it, top with cheese, then layer the rest plus more cheese.
Toss With Pasta:
Fold the sauce and noodles together.
Melt In Cheese:
Slowly shake in half the cheese mix as you stir until it’s silky.
Get It Creamy:
Pour in cream, mustard, and the remaining spices, then keep stirring.
Add Milk:
Stir in the can of evaporated milk so it thickens up.
Stir In Flour:
Mix with the butter—just a couple minutes until it smells nutty.
Start With Butter:
Melt butter and sprinkle in half your spices.
Combine Spices:
Toss garlic, paprika, pepper, and salt in a bowl.
Boil Pasta:
Cook the noodles in salted water, then drain ‘em.
Shred Cheese:
Grate all, mix it up, and split the pile in two.
Oven Time:
Crank your oven to 350°F to get started.
Spoon scooping stretchy, cheesy mac and cheese from a dish in the background. Loads of gooey cheese! Pin it
Spoon scooping stretchy, cheesy mac and cheese from a dish in the background. Loads of gooey cheese! | tasteofsavor.com

Why This One Stands Out

Forget boring macaroni. The triple threat of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar takes it up a notch. Toss in garlic and smoky paprika, and every bite is packed with flavor. Twisty pasta? Holds all the cheesy awesomeness. Tini’s got the magic touch, and her ideas have fans tuning in nonstop.

All About That Cheese Blend

Each cheese brings its own thing. Mozzarella melts into gooey goodness, Colby Jack is super flavorful, and sharp cheddar gives it a sharp kick. Shredding cheese yourself makes the sauce extra smooth instead of gritty. Yes, it takes longer, but that’s what makes this dish so delicious.

Layering For Maximum Yum

This dish is all about how you stack it. Stir half the cheese into your saucy pasta, then stack pasta and cheese in layers in your pan. That way, you score gooey cheese with every dig in. Give it a blast in the broiler for a crunchy, golden top—that’s next-level tasty.

Ways To Change Things Up

Shake it up however you like. Crumbled crispy bacon or pulled pork? Go for it. Want some veggies? Toss in steamed broccoli. Need it done quick? Skip the oven and just eat it right from the pot. However you roll, it’s always a hit.

Creamy mac and cheese scooped from a white pan, finished with toasty breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of parsley. Pin it
Creamy mac and cheese scooped from a white pan, finished with toasty breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of parsley. | tasteofsavor.com

Prepping Ahead Is Easy

Don’t feel like rushing? You can prep this up to two days ahead. Put it all together, then wrap tight with foil and chill. When you’re set to eat, just bake covered, then uncover to get that golden top. Handy for busy days or last-minute hangouts.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is this cheesy pasta so good?

The trio of cheeses makes it super flavorful, and the creamy texture is irresistible. My family says it's way better than store-bought stuff.

→ Can I change the cheeses?

Absolutely! Gouda and Swiss are great options. Just use any melting cheese you like, and you’re good to go.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Just use rice or corn pasta, and thicken the sauce with corn starch. It’ll taste just as amazing.

→ How do I give it more flavor?

Throw in some chili flakes if you’re into spice. Crumbled bacon is another tasty addition. Or amp up the garlic—it never fails!

→ How long does it keep?

You can store it for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven with some milk to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

If you love cheesy pasta, try tossing these cheeses into other meals. Use them in a baked pasta dish with some peppers and garlic. Or sprinkle them over roasted veggies for the perfect side. They’re even amazing in breakfast casseroles!

Creamy Mac Cheese

Whipped this up when guests came over. Not a crumb left behind!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (1 large dish)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 lb Colby Jack cheese.
02 1 lb mozzarella cheese.
03 1 pound twisty pasta.
04 8 oz extra sharp cheddar.
05 1 spoon salty paprika.
06 1 spoon garlic seasoning.
07 1 spoon table salt.
08 1/2 spoon ground black pepper.
09 3 tablespoons plain butter.
10 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
11 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk.
12 2 cups thick cream.
13 1 spoon Dijon-style mustard.
14 Fresh parsley chopped for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Set the oven to 350°F to heat up.

Step 02

Shred all your cheeses into one bowl, then split the pile into two parts.

Step 03

Cook the pasta in well-salted water till it's just soft enough. Then drain it.

Step 04

In a tiny bowl, stir together black pepper, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.

Step 05

Melt the butter in a skillet, then toss in half your mixed-up spices.

Step 06

Add the flour and whisk it for about 2 minutes till it's bubbling.

Step 07

Pour in evaporated milk gradually, mixing all the time. Once bubbling, add heavy cream, the mustard, and the rest of the spices. Let it cook till thickened.

Step 08

Throw in half of the cheese bit by bit, stirring until it’s gooey and nice.

Step 09

Stir your cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce, making sure every piece is coated.

Step 10

Spoon half the pasta mix into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle some cheese, add the rest of the pasta, then top it with all the leftover cheese.

Step 11

Bake it for 25-30 minutes. Let the top get golden by broiling for another couple of minutes if you'd like.

Step 12

Scatter the parsley on top.

Notes

  1. Freshly shredded cheese always melts smoother.
  2. Broil at the end for a crispy cheesy layer.
  3. Spice it up with a pinch of chili powder if you'd like.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven.
  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Skillet.
  • Spoon for mixing.
  • 9x13 casserole pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy ingredients.
  • Contains flour or wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~