If the ultimate comfort food has a name, it’s definitely Tini’s Mac and Cheese. This is the kind of macaroni casserole that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your heart with warmth. Every spoonful bursts with creamy, cheesy goodness, wrapped around perfectly tender pasta and finished with a golden, crisp topping if you desire. The blend of sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan creates flavor fireworks you won’t soon forget. Whether you’re feeding a family, bringing a dish to a cozy gathering, or just craving home-cooked indulgence, Tini’s Mac and Cheese has your back.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese are beautifully simple but each one plays an essential role—nothing is wasted, and everything brings something irresistible to the table. The combination of dairy, seasonings, and a little crunch guarantees deeply flavored, creamy results with a tempting golden top.
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz): Classic shape that holds sauce perfectly; don’t substitute if you want that signature texture.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a rich base for the roux, letting you control the salt level exactly.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens your sauce for that luxurious, never-runny creaminess.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Adds body and silkiness—you’ll taste the difference versus low-fat milk.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The secret to decadent, spoon-coating sauce.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Brings all those flavors together and brightens up the cheese blend.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth—freshly ground gives the best kick.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses garlicky depth without overpowering the cheese.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the savoriness so every bite tastes complete.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle smoky color and a hint of sweetness.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): The bold backbone of flavor—choose a really good quality block and shred it yourself if you can.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Delivers stretch, creaminess, and irresistible gooey pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): For intense savory depth and a hint of salty tang.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): For those who love a crispy top, this gives your mac and cheese casserole a satisfying crunch.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant finishing touch that makes every serving look and taste inviting.
How to Make Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s worth a few moments to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this makes serving (and cleanup) a breeze, and helps prevent precious cheesy bits from sticking. While your oven heats, you’ll have time to get everything else prepped.
Step 2: Cook Your Pasta Just Right
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, usually about a minute less than the package instructions. Don’t overcook—the pasta will finish softening as it bakes, keeping its shape surrounded by all that cheese. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheesy Sauce Base
Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to get rid of any raw flour flavor. Now, slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. This step is where you build the foundation of Tini’s Mac and Cheese: a lush, thick sauce without lumps.
Step 4: Season for Depth and Balance
When the milk mixture has thickened (after about 5–6 minutes), stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Each spice brings another layer of flavor, ensuring your mac and cheese is truly memorable and not bland. Taste after mixing—seasoning is key!
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses for Max Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir gently until everything melts into a gloriously smooth and creamy sauce. If you want it even silkier, you can sneak in a couple ounces of cream cheese right here. This is the glorious moment where Tini’s Mac and Cheese takes on its signature, velvety character.
Step 6: Marry Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to your saucepan, stirring until every nook and cranny is coated with cheese sauce. Pour this melty mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly for even browning on top.
Step 7: Topping and Baking
If you love a little crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs generously across the top. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. It should emerge golden and bubbling, with an irresistibly crisp topping if you added it—your kitchen will smell like pure bliss.
Step 8: Cool, Garnish, and Serve
Let Tini’s Mac and Cheese sit for about 5 minutes before digging in. A scattered handful of chopped parsley adds brightness and visual pop, inviting everyone to the table. Now, spoon it up and watch the cheese stretch!
How to Serve Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
For a little sparkle, toss a handful of extra chopped parsley or sliced green onions across the top right before serving. If you really want to impress, a sprinkle of fresh-cracked black pepper or a touch more Parmesan takes Tini’s Mac and Cheese from classic to restaurant-worthy. Even a tiny drizzle of hot sauce can add a playful kick.
Side Dishes
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a superstar all on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad brightens the meal and balances its richness. Roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans also make excellent partners. If you’re building a larger spread, this mac and cheese pairs beautifully with barbecue, fried chicken, or even a bowl of tomato soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, scoop the mac and cheese into individual ramekins before baking—everyone will love their own mini casserole. Or try making mac and cheese bites by slicing leftovers into cubes and pan-frying until golden. Tini’s Mac and Cheese also shines as a party dip with sturdy chips or toasty bread on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Tini’s Mac and Cheese cool completely, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. This dish reheats beautifully and can make weekday lunches or quick dinners feel extra special. Store it in the original baking dish, or portion into airtight containers for grab-and-go convenience.
Freezing
For longer storage, Tini’s Mac and Cheese can be frozen, baked or unbaked, for up to three months. Wrap the casserole tightly in two layers of plastic and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking, and expect nearly the same creamy, cheesy texture as freshly made.
Reheating
To reheat, you can warm portions in the microwave for quick convenience, but for best texture (and crispy topping), cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until steaming hot throughout. If it’s a bit thick out of the fridge, add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess and bring Tini’s Mac and Cheese back to life.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses in Tini’s Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! The core of the dish is the trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, but feel free to experiment with fontina, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy twist. Just aim for a blend of good melting cheeses with a little extra sharpness for bite.
How do I avoid grainy cheese sauce?
The key is to keep the heat low when adding cheese and to stir constantly. Don’t let the sauce boil after adding cheese—gentle heat and patience make the smoothest sauce for Tini’s Mac and Cheese.
Is it possible to make Tini’s Mac and Cheese gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free elbow pasta and substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the roux. If you love the crunchy topping, there are gluten-free breadcrumbs available or try crushed rice crackers instead.
Can I make Tini’s Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the macaroni and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to one day. When you’re ready to eat, top (if using breadcrumbs) and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What are some fun mix-ins for Tini’s Mac and Cheese?
Get creative! Try cooked, crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, roasted peppers, or even a handful of frozen peas. Each addition gives Tini’s Mac and Cheese a brand-new spin and can transform it into a whole new meal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a serious upgrade to classic comfort food, Tini’s Mac and Cheese won’t let you down. Every bite packs creamy nostalgia, melty indulgence, and cozy satisfaction—perfect for any gathering or weeknight craving. Give it a try, share it with someone you love, and discover why it’s been a family favorite for years!
Print
Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Tini’s Mac and Cheese recipe. This creamy and cheesy baked macaroni will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk and cream. Cook until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Add Cheese: Reduce heat, add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted. Add cooked macaroni and coat.
- Bake: Pour mixture into baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add 2 oz cream cheese with shredded cheese.
- Enhance flavors with crumbled bacon or sautéed onions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
