Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a classic American comfort food featuring creamy, cheesy pasta baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe combines a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, delivering a rich and indulgent meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Dairy: Slowly whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken slightly.
- Season the Sauce: Add 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Reduce the heat to low and stir well to combine all flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until all pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the baked mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving to let it set slightly for optimal texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can mix in cooked bacon pieces or caramelized onions before baking.
- Using freshly shredded cheese helps the sauce melt more smoothly compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- If you prefer a creamier texture without a crispy top, serve the mac and cheese directly from the stovetop without baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
