Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy classic American dish featuring tender elbow macaroni coated in a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This versatile recipe combines stovetop cooking with optional baking for a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Cheese Base
- 1 pound 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 (optional)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a paste known as a roux.
- Add milk and cream: Slowly whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, continuing to whisk until the sauce smooths out and thickens, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Stir in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional mustard powder to enhance the flavor.
- Add cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Combine macaroni and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to evenly coat all pasta pieces.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping and bake (optional): If using breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 375°F. Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl, then evenly sprinkle over the top. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, straight from the stovetop or oven, depending on your preference.
Notes
- For a stovetop-only version, skip the breadcrumb topping and baking step.
- Customize the cheese blend by adding Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different flavors.
- Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or vegetables like broccoli or peas to add variety and extra texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
