Tini’s Mac and Cheese

by

Creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a bubbling dish of homemade mac and cheese—and Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the one you’ll crave again and again. 🧀🍲✨ With tender pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce and baked under a golden, crispy topping, this recipe delivers cozy vibes in every bite. Perfect for family dinners, holiday spreads, or even potlucks, it’s a dish that feels like a warm hug. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, this mac and cheese recipe is creamy, indulgent, and sure to become your new go-to favorite.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Colander
  • Large saucepan (for cheese sauce)
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. 🍝
  2. Make roux: In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Add milk: Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth and thickened.
  4. Stir in cheese: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until melted into a creamy sauce. 🧀✨
  5. Combine: Stir pasta into cheese sauce until fully coated.
  6. Prepare topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter.
  7. Assemble & bake: Pour mac and cheese into greased baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumb topping, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  8. Serve hot: Let rest 5 minutes before digging in.

Pro Tips

  • Extra Creamy: Stir in ½ cup cream cheese or sour cream for a richer sauce.
  • Cheese Variety: Use Gruyère, fontina, or gouda for a gourmet twist.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Crispy Upgrade: Add crumbled beef bacon or caramelized onions to the topping for extra flavor.

/ Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 cup42018g38g21g2g6g