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
Scale
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.
