Name: Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces elbow macaroni; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

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Get ready to experience the irresistible comfort of Tini’s Mac and Cheese—a dish that’s everything classic macaroni and cheese should be: creamy, cheesy, bubbling with golden goodness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or spicing up your next potluck, this recipe balances nostalgic flavors with practical ease. Every bite wraps you in rich, savory decadence, making Tini’s Mac and Cheese the go-to comfort food you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It only takes a handful of pantry staples and a few special touches to create the unforgettable magic of Tini’s Mac and Cheese. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason, whether it’s creaminess, depth of flavor, or crunch—and together, they make every bite shine.

Elbow macaroni (16 ounces): The classic shape holds the cheesy sauce perfectly in every curve.
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich roux base and that comforting buttery undertone.
All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Thickens the sauce for a luxurious, never-runny texture.
Whole milk (3 cups): Adds silky creaminess without overpowering richness.
Heavy cream (1 cup): For that ultimate luscious texture, heavy cream makes everything dreamy.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing forward all the flavors in the cheese and sauce.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and contrast to the cheesy base.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Backs up the cheese with garlicky savoriness.
Mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon): Quietly sharpens and deepens the flavor profile.
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups): The signature tang and gooey melt belong to cheddar.
Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds extra meltiness and mild tang.
Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Lends a salty, nutty note and gorgeous finish.
Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For those golden, irresistible crunchy tops.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon, if using breadcrumbs): Helps toast the breadcrumb topping to perfection.

How to Make Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Stir well and cook until just al dente—you want the pasta still slightly firm because it’ll finish cooking in the oven or sauce. Drain and set aside, making sure not to overcook so every bite is satisfyingly chewy.

Step 2: Make the Roux

In a generous saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while whisking constantly to create a smooth paste. This step only takes 1–2 minutes but is key for thickening—don’t let the roux brown, just gently toast it to remove any raw flour taste.

Step 3: Whisk in Dairy

Gradually drizzle in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking nonstop as you pour. As the mixture heats, it’ll thicken into a velvety sauce over about 5 to 6 minutes. Be patient and keep whisking—this is where the dreamy texture of Tini’s Mac and Cheese really begins to form!

Step 4: Season and Add Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Now comes the magic: add in the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir patiently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is completely smooth, thick, and glossy.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Fold your cooked macaroni into the sauce and gently stir until every noodle is blanketed in creamy, cheesy goodness. If you’re serving stovetop style, you can stop here—or take it to the next level with baking.

Step 6: Bake (Optional)

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the creamy mac and cheese mixture into the dish. For those who love a crispy top, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them liberally over the surface. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is golden and your kitchen smells irresistible.

How to Serve Tini’s Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Add the finishing touch to Tini’s Mac and Cheese by sprinkling over more grated Parmesan, a dash of smoked paprika, or a handful of fresh chives or scallions. These toppings bring color, flavor, and a little extra wow to your serving platter—even a light crumble of crispy bacon will do the trick for special occasions.

Side Dishes

A hearty scoop of Tini’s Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with fresh sides: think vinegary coleslaw, garlicky green beans, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. If you’re serving a family-style comfort meal, warm rolls or grilled corn make perfect companions.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine by baking Tini’s Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for personal, bubbly servings, or hollow out mini bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel. At potlucks, serve it in little cups for grab-and-go ease, or mix in extras like sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions to surprise your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tini’s Mac and Cheese keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The cheese sauce remains rich, and the flavors deepen as they sit. Just be sure to cool it down completely before stashing away for ultimate freshness.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze it, let the mac and cheese chill, then wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap and foil (or use a sealed freezer-safe container). It’ll stay cozy for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking; that way, you can bake fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheating Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a breeze. Warm individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep them creamy, or reheat larger amounts in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil. Remove the foil near the end for a bubbly, golden top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for Tini’s Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to try shells, fusilli, or cavatappi for a fun twist. The key is to pick a shape that holds onto that luscious cheese sauce.

Is it possible to make Tini’s Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs or simply leave them off if baking isn’t your style.

What cheeses can I substitute in this recipe?

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is very customizable. For different flavors, try Gruyère for nutty sophistication, Fontina for extra meltiness, or Pepper Jack for a subtle kick. Just keep the ratio about the same for optimal melting texture.

Can I add protein or veggies to this dish?

Definitely! Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for extra heartiness, or mix in cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas for a pop of color and nutrition. Just fold them in with the pasta before baking.

How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

The trick to a perfectly smooth sauce in Tini’s Mac and Cheese is to lower the heat before adding the cheeses and stir gently until fully melted. Avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese is in, as high heat can cause separation.

Final Thoughts

Whether you keep it classic or add your own twist, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the kind of dish that brings people together and turns an ordinary day into something special. Give it a try, share it with your favorite people, and get ready to fall in love with a comfort food that’s truly unforgettable!

Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting dish with Tini’s Mac and Cheese. This creamy and cheesy pasta is a homemade favorite, perfect for a cozy meal anytime. Customize the cheese blend to suit your taste and enjoy a classic American comfort food dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Mac and Cheese:

16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Topping (Optional):

1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs)

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Instructions

Cook the Macaroni: Boil salted water and cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux, gradually add milk and cream, whisk until thickened. Stir in spices and cheeses until melted.
Combine and Serve: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until coated. Optionally, bake in a greased dish topped with breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.