Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved by people of all ages. It’s creamy, cheesy, and can be customized in countless ways to suit any taste. However, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a step above the rest, bringing a depth of flavor that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. This recipe takes mac and cheese to a whole new level, combining rich cheeses, a perfectly seasoned roux, and pasta that holds the sauce in all the right ways.

Ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• Salt, for boiling water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for preventing sticking)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier texture)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds depth)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for an extra kick)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a savory note)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that classic mac and cheese flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (adds smooth meltiness)
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese (adds nuttiness)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions for Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add enough water to cook the macaroni, usually about 4-6 quarts. You’ll need the extra water so the pasta can move freely as it cooks.
2. Add the macaroni to the boiling water, and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and can be used later to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce.
4. If you’re worried about the pasta sticking together, you can toss it with a little bit of olive oil. But usually, this isn’t necessary if you’re adding the pasta straight to the sauce.

Step 2: Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and starting to bubble, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. The roux should be smooth, and you should continue whisking it for about 1-2 minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste.
2. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Start with about 1 cup of milk and gradually add the rest. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps.
3. Add the heavy cream (if using), and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce should begin to thicken after about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or pepper if desired.
5. Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add in the cheeses. Start with the Parmesan, followed by the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and cream cheese (if using). Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
6. Adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water. If the sauce is too thick, just add a little pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combining Pasta and Sauce

1. Once the cheese sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy, add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until each piece is coated with the cheesy goodness.
2. If you find the sauce a little too thick, you can add a bit more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 4: Preparing the Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare the breadcrumb topping.
2. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in the butter and the cheese is distributed throughout. This will create a golden, crunchy topping for the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Baking (Optional, for a Crispy Topping)

1. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, if you’d like to add a baked, crispy topping. A 9×13-inch dish is usually ideal for this amount of mac and cheese, but you can use a smaller or larger one depending on how much you’ve made.
2. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
3. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra touch of flavor.

Step 6: Serving Tini’s Mac and Cheese

1. Once the mac and cheese is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set slightly. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit.
2. Serve it hot, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, crispy masterpiece that is Tini’s Mac and Cheese!

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Adding Protein:

While Tini’s Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding some protein. Here are a few ideas:

• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top or mixed into the mac and cheese provide a savory, smoky contrast.
• Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast can be folded in for a heartier meal.
• Ground Beef: For a bolder twist, try adding seasoned ground beef, similar to a cheeseburger mac and cheese.
• Lobster or Shrimp: If you want something more luxurious, lobster or shrimp can elevate the dish to gourmet status.

2. Cheese Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste or add complexity:

• Fontina: Adds a smooth, creamy melt to the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Variations: If you like a sharper taste, try using extra sharp cheddar or a mix of yellow and white cheddar.
• Blue Cheese: For a more pungent and bold flavor, adding a bit of blue cheese gives the dish an interesting twist.

3. Spicy Twist:

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You could also stir in some hot sauce or mix in spicy sausage for a fiery variation.

4. Vegan Version:

If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, try using vegan cheeses like cashew cheese or almond milk in place of dairy products. Nutritional yeast can also give the sauce a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

5. Add Vegetables:

Tini’s Mac and Cheese can also benefit from some added veggies. Consider adding:

• Spinach or Kale: Fresh or frozen greens can be folded into the sauce for extra nutrients.
• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli adds a great crunch and a bit of bitterness to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Tomatoes: Roasted or sun-dried tomatoes can add acidity and sweetness to the mac and cheese.

Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

SAMADH

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved by people of all ages. It’s creamy, cheesy, and can be customized in countless ways to suit any taste. However, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a step above the rest, bringing a depth of flavor that is sure to please even the most discerning palate. This recipe takes mac and cheese to a whole new level, combining rich cheeses, a perfectly seasoned roux, and pasta that holds the sauce in all the right ways.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 minute min

Course comfort food, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 520 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
• Salt for boiling water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil optional, for preventing sticking

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk or half-and-half for a creamier texture
• 1/2 cup heavy cream optional for extra richness
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds depth
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika smoked paprika for an extra kick
• 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a savory note
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese for that classic mac and cheese flavor
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese adds smooth meltiness
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyère cheese adds nuttiness
• 1/4 cup cream cheese optional for extra creaminess

For the Topping:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cooking the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add enough water to cook the macaroni, usually about 4-6 quarts. You’ll need the extra water so the pasta can move freely as it cooks.
• Add the macaroni to the boiling water, and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite).
• Once cooked, drain the pasta, but reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and can be used later to adjust the consistency of the cheese sauce.
• If you’re worried about the pasta sticking together, you can toss it with a little bit of olive oil. But usually, this isn’t necessary if you’re adding the pasta straight to the sauce.

Step 2: Making the Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted and starting to bubble, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. The roux should be smooth, and you should continue whisking it for about 1-2 minutes. This helps cook out the raw flour taste.
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Start with about 1 cup of milk and gradually add the rest. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of clumps.
• Add the heavy cream (if using), and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The sauce should begin to thicken after about 5-7 minutes.
• Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, black pepper, paprika, and salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding a little more salt or pepper if desired.
• Once the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, add in the cheeses. Start with the Parmesan, followed by the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère, and cream cheese (if using). Stir until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky smooth.
• Adjust the consistency by adding some of the reserved pasta water. If the sauce is too thick, just add a little pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combining Pasta and Sauce

• Once the cheese sauce is perfectly smooth and creamy, add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce. Gently toss the pasta in the sauce until each piece is coated with the cheesy goodness.
• If you find the sauce a little too thick, you can add a bit more reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 4: Preparing the Topping

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, prepare the breadcrumb topping.
• In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in the butter and the cheese is distributed throughout. This will create a golden, crunchy topping for the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Baking (Optional, for a Crispy Topping)

• Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, if you’d like to add a baked, crispy topping. A 9×13-inch dish is usually ideal for this amount of mac and cheese, but you can use a smaller or larger one depending on how much you’ve made.
• Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
• Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. If you want a crispier top, you can broil it for the last 2-3 minutes—just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and an extra touch of flavor.

Step 6: Serving Tini’s Mac and Cheese

• Once the mac and cheese is out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes to set slightly. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit.
• Serve it hot, and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, crispy masterpiece that is Tini’s Mac and Cheese!

Notes

Pro Tips and Variations

1. Adding Protein:

While Tini’s Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding some protein. Here are a few ideas:

• Bacon: Crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top or mixed into the mac and cheese provide a savory, smoky contrast.
• Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast can be folded in for a heartier meal.
• Ground Beef: For a bolder twist, try adding seasoned ground beef, similar to a cheeseburger mac and cheese.
• Lobster or Shrimp: If you want something more luxurious, lobster or shrimp can elevate the dish to gourmet status.

2. Cheese Variations:

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste or add complexity:

• Fontina: Adds a smooth, creamy melt to the cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Variations: If you like a sharper taste, try using extra sharp cheddar or a mix of yellow and white cheddar.
• Blue Cheese: For a more pungent and bold flavor, adding a bit of blue cheese gives the dish an interesting twist.

3. Spicy Twist:

For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You could also stir in some hot sauce or mix in spicy sausage for a fiery variation.

4. Vegan Version:

If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, try using vegan cheeses like cashew cheese or almond milk in place of dairy products. Nutritional yeast can also give the sauce a cheesy flavor without any dairy.

5. Add Vegetables:

Tini’s Mac and Cheese can also benefit from some added veggies. Consider adding:

• Spinach or Kale: Fresh or frozen greens can be folded into the sauce for extra nutrients.
• Broccoli: Steamed broccoli adds a great crunch and a bit of bitterness to balance the richness of the cheese.
• Tomatoes: Roasted or sun-dried tomatoes can add acidity and sweetness to the mac and cheese.

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Conclusion

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a casual gathering with friends. With its rich flavor profile, crispy topping, and customizable options, this mac and cheese recipe will become a beloved comfort food in your household.

From the creamy cheese sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta and golden-brown topping, every bite is a melt-in-your-mouth experience. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in the best mac and cheese recipe ever.

Enjoy!