Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese Upgraded! Awesome Recipe!

Video Description:
Upgraded Viral Mac & Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:

Pasta: 1 lb of Cavatappi or elbow macaroni for their excellent sauce-holding capabilities.
Cheeses: A blend for complexity and creaminess:
8 oz Sharp Cheddar, shredded
8 oz Gruyère, shredded
8 oz Fontina, shredded
4 oz Parmesan, grated
Sauce Base:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
12 oz can evaporated milk
Seasonings:
1 teaspoon mustard powder (for depth)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for a hint of smokiness)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Crumb Topping:
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.

Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, remembering that it will cook further in the oven.

Make Roux: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a roux. Cook for about 2 minutes to eliminate the flour taste.

Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, whole milk, and evaporated milk into the roux. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Lower the heat to prevent the bottom from scorching.

Add Cheeses: Incorporate the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and half of the grated Parmesan into the sauce, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth before adding more.

Season: Stir in mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, mixing well to ensure each piece is coated.

Prepare Crumb Topping: Mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, the remaining Parmesan, and paprika.

Assemble: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. For an extra crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Rest and Serve: Allow the mac & cheese to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the sauce to set for easier serving.

Customization Tips:

Add-Ins: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted garlic into the cheese sauce.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends based on your preferences. A little blue cheese can add a bold flavor twist.

This version aims to build upon the creamy, comforting base of the original recipe by introducing a variety of cheeses for depth, a seasoned breadcrumb topping for texture, and a hint of smokiness and spice for complexity. Enjoy this luxurious take on a beloved classic!
Welcome to our kitchen, where today we're taking a classic comfort food to the next level with our Ultimate Upgraded Mac & Cheese recipe! This isn't just any mac and cheese; it's a gourmet version that combines the creamy, rich flavors of Sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan with a crispy, buttery breadcrumb topping for a dish that's as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate.

In this video, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of creating this luxurious dish, from boiling the pasta to perfection, to crafting a velvety cheese sauce with a homemade roux, and finishing with a golden breadcrumb crust that's broiled to perfection. We've packed this recipe with tips and tricks to ensure your mac and cheese is the star of any meal, whether it's a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.

What You'll Learn:

How to select and blend cheeses for maximum flavor and meltiness.
The secrets to a smooth, lump-free roux and cheese sauce.
The best pasta shapes for holding onto all that cheesy goodness.
How to create a crunchy, flavorful topping that elevates this dish from comfort food to gourmet fare.

Ingredients You'll Need:

Cavatappi or elbow macaroni
Sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses
Butter, flour, heavy cream, whole milk, and evaporated milk for the sauce
Panko breadcrumbs, butter, and paprika for the topping
Mustard powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for seasoning