If you have a craving for comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside, Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe is just what you need. This dish brings together creamy, melty cheese and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a satisfying bite every single time. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, the rich flavors and smooth texture make it a beloved classic that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple staples, yet each one plays a vital role in crafting the perfect cheesy, creamy, and flavorful experience that Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers.
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The ideal pasta shape to hold onto every bit of that luscious cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Provides the bold, tangy flavor that defines classic mac and cheese.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretchy, gooey creaminess to balance out the sharp cheddar.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates a rich base and helps develop the roux for the sauce.
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to that perfect silky consistency.
- 2 cups whole milk: Makes the cheese sauce rich and smooth without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth that enhances the cheese blend.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/4 tsp paprika: Brings a mild warmth and a hint of color to the dish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and elevating all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping): Gives a sharp, nutty crunch when broiled on top.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping): Adds a delightful golden crust for extra texture contrast.
How to Make Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling your elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—tender but with just a little bite. This ensures it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce. Once it’s cooked, drain and set aside, ready to soak up all the cheesy goodness soon.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat, then whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a roux. Keep stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, giving you that beautiful nutty base that will thicken your cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
Step 3: Whisk in Milk and Seasonings
Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously. This slow addition helps avoid lumps and builds a smooth sauce base. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for a flavor boost that’s subtle but essential to the character of Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe.
Step 4: Melt in the Cheeses
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep mixing until all the cheese is melted and you have a velvety, luscious sauce ready to coat every piece of pasta with rich, creamy indulgence.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked elbow macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until every noodle is generously coated. This is where the magic happens—each bite will be cheesy, creamy, and utterly comforting.
Step 6: Optional Broil for a Crispy Topping
If you love a crunchy topping, transfer your mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top, then broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and bubbly. The crispy contrast on top adds a delightful texture that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top add a burst of color and a fresh hint that balances the richness beautifully. A light dusting of smoked paprika can also deepen the aroma and give it a subtle smoky twist.
Side Dishes
Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe is a star on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even tangy coleslaw. These sides add freshness and crunch to balance the creamy, cheesy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the mac and cheese in mini cast iron skillets or individual ramekins for a restaurant-style touch. You can even stuff it inside bell peppers or accompany it with crispy bacon bits mixed in for an extra flavor punch—making it perfect for any casual gathering or special meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a great next-day comfort meal that reheats nicely without losing its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best results, avoid adding the breadcrumb topping before freezing—add it fresh when you’re ready to broil.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. If reheating in the oven, cover with foil to prevent drying out. For that crispy breadcrumb topping, broil briefly after reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and perfect for holding the sauce, you can switch to shells, cavatappi, or any small pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and choose gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs if used. The sauce and cheese flavors will stay just as delicious.
Can I add other cheeses?
Definitely! Mixing in Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese can add a different dimension of flavor and creaminess. Just keep the overall cheese amount similar for the best balance.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can experiment with dairy-free butter substitutes, plant-based milk, and dairy-free shredded cheeses. The texture might be a bit different, but you’ll still have a tasty, comforting dish.
What’s the secret to a perfectly creamy sauce?
The key is making the roux carefully and whisking in milk slowly to avoid lumps. Using whole milk helps richness, and adding cheese gradually on low heat ensures a smooth, velvety sauce. Patience at this stage makes all the difference.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe a try—it’s a true crowd-pleaser and the kind of dish that brings a cozy, nostalgic feeling every time you take a bite. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with toppings and sides, this recipe offers comfort and joy in every creamy forkful. Go ahead and treat yourself, you won’t regret it!
Print
Tini’s Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made with elbow macaroni and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. The rich cheese sauce is thickened with a buttery roux and seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and paprika for extra flavor. Optionally, it can be topped with Parmesan and breadcrumbs and broiled to golden perfection for a crispy finish. Perfect as a main course, this kid-friendly dish can be customized with mix-ins like veggies or bacon.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly whisk in the whole milk while stirring continuously. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens to a creamy sauce consistency, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste, blending all seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Lower the heat to low and add shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
- Optional Broiling: If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle the top evenly with grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely, until the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve the mac and cheese warm for the best creamy and cheesy experience.
Notes
- Mix in cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Add cooked bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce to spice up the dish.
- For an even creamier sauce, substitute a splash of cream for part of the milk.
- Broiling is optional but adds a delicious crunchy topping.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta to maintain perfect texture.
