Tini’s Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a rich, flavorful dish that will please both kids and adults.

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 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
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: 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 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden, but not browned.
3. Step 3: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until smooth. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until completely melted and smooth. Add Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni back into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
6. Step 6: If using the breadcrumb topping, preheat your oven broiler. Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish.
7. Step 7: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
8. Step 8: Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy mac and cheese!

Tips & Variations

• Use whole milk for creamier sauce; substitute with 2% if preferred but avoid skim milk.
• Try adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and flour.
• Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a subtle smoky or spicy kick.
• Substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or omit topping for stovetop mac and cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid reheating under the broiler to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese through Step 5 and refrigerate it. Add the topping and broil just before serving for the best texture.

What pasta can I use instead of elbow macaroni?

Any short pasta such as shells, rotini, or penne works well as they hold the cheese sauce nicely.

Tini’s Ultimate Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 123 reviews

• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy and cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe features elbow macaroni coated in a rich homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Enhanced with Dijon mustard and savory spices, topped with buttery panko breadcrumbs toasted under the broiler for a crispy finish. A comforting classic perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. 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 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden but not browned.
3. Add the dairy: Gradually whisk in 2 cups of whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, ensuring the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Incorporate the cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Parmesan cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Then mix in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (if using), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained macaroni back into the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
6. Add topping (optional): Preheat the oven broiler if using. Transfer the mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish. Combine ½ cup panko breadcrumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
7. Bake under broiler: Place the dish under the broiler for 2-4 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crisp. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

Notes

• Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest sauce, but 2% milk can be substituted.
• Keep an eye on the mac and cheese under the broiler to avoid burning the breadcrumbs.
• Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth but can be omitted if preferred.
• Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Feel free to customize with add-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy macaroni, cheddar cheese sauce, baked mac and cheese, comfort food