Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a creamy, indulgent comfort food classic featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a rich three-cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The dish is finished with a buttery panko breadcrumb topping, broiled to golden perfection for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- 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.
- Make the roux: In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden but not browned.
- Add the dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate the cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan until completely melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Add topping (optional): If using, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish. Mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake under broiler: Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer sauce, but you can substitute with 2% if preferred.
- Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang but can be omitted if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Be attentive under the broiler to prevent burning the breadcrumbs.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta
