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Tini’s Mac and Cheese served with crispy bacon, fresh parsley, and a side of garlic bread.

Tini’s Mac and Cheese: The Best Creamy and Cheesy Recipe You Need to Try

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food. A perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a golden, crispy top. This mac and cheese recipe is rich, indulgent, and loved by all. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering, this dish is sure to be a hit.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra gooeyness)

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for added flavor)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:

    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

  2. Make the Roux (Thickening Sauce):

    • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a thick paste. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

  3. Add the Milk:

    • Gradually add the milk to the roux while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring, until it thickens and becomes smooth (about 5 minutes).

  4. Add the Cheese:

    • Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

  5. Combine the Pasta and Sauce:

    • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the sauce.

  6. Prepare for Baking:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

  7. Bake:

    • Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

  8. Garnish and Serve:

    • Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a side of crispy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.

  9.  

Notes

  • Make it Creamier: For an even richer texture, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.

  • Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives and use plant-based milk.

  • Extra Toppings: Feel free to add crispy bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions on top before baking for added flavor.

  • Author: Alexander Jai
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 to 1/6 of the total dish
  • Calories: 500-600 kcal (depending on cheese types and portion size)
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Tini's Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Best Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Homemade Mac and Cheese