What’s better than a big, comforting bowl of mac and cheese? Tini’s Mac and Cheese takes this classic comfort food to the next level with ultra-creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this mac and cheese will steal the show!
✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ Super Creamy & Cheesy – No dry mac here! The cheese sauce is silky and coats every noodle perfectly.
✔ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and ready in under 30 minutes!
✔ Customizable – Make it spicy, add protein, or use different cheeses for a unique twist!
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
This homemade mac and cheese is way better than boxed – with a luscious cheese sauce made from real ingredients, you’ll never go back to store-bought! Plus, you can make it extra cheesy, baked with a crispy topping, or even add a kick of spice for a flavor boost. Let’s dive in!
🛒 Ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Here’s everything you need to make this ultra-creamy, cheesy mac and cheese at home:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice) | 12 oz (about 3 cups) |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Whole milk | 2 cups |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Gouda cheese (shredded) | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | ½ tsp |
| Paprika | ½ tsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Optional: Hot sauce or red pepper flakes | For a kick! |
| Optional: Panko breadcrumbs | ½ cup (for crispy topping) |
🧀 Choosing the Best Ingredients
Best Pasta for Mac and Cheese
The classic choice is elbow macaroni, but you can switch it up with:
- Cavatappi – Twisty shape holds more cheese!
- Shells – Perfect for trapping the creamy sauce.
- Rotini or Fusilli – Spiral texture clings to the cheese sauce.
Pro Tip: Always cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce!
The Perfect Cheese Blend
For the best melt and flavor, use a mix of cheeses:
✔ Sharp Cheddar – Classic, bold, and melts beautifully.
✔ Gouda – Adds a creamy, slightly smoky depth.
✔ Parmesan – Brings a nutty, salty balance.
Pro Tip: Always grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded! Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Milk vs. Heavy Cream
For an extra creamy mac and cheese, use a combination of whole milk and heavy cream. You can also substitute with:
- Half & Half – A great in-between option.
- Evaporated Milk – Adds creaminess without heaviness.
- Dairy-Free – Use coconut milk or cashew cream for a vegan version!
🥣 How to Make Tini’s Mac and Cheese – Step-by-Step Guide
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni (or your pasta of choice) and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions).
- Drain and toss with a little butter or oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta—it will continue cooking in the cheese sauce!
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until golden and bubbly. This is your roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
Pro Tip: Stir constantly to prevent burning or clumping!
3️⃣ Add the Cheese & Seasonings
- Reduce heat to low and stir in:
✔ Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan cheese (save a little for topping!)
✔ Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper - Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
Pro Tip: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it!
4️⃣ Combine the Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently mix until fully coated.
- At this point, your mac and cheese is ready to eat as a creamy stovetop version! But if you want that crispy baked topping, keep reading!
🔥 How to Get the Crispiest Topping (Optional)
If you love baked mac and cheese with a crispy, golden topping, here’s how to do it:
5️⃣ Bake It to Perfection
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top, then add panko breadcrumbs for crunch.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
- For an extra crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end!
Pro Tip: Toss the panko breadcrumbs with a little melted butter for extra crispiness!
Bonus Variations!
🔥 Spicy Version – Add hot sauce, jalapeños, or red pepper flakes for a kick!
🥓 Bacon Lover’s Mac – Mix in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
🥦 Veggie Boost – Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or roasted mushrooms.
🍗 Protein-Packed – Add grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or pulled pork.
Looking for another unique pasta recipe? This tangy and flavorful tomatillo pasta is a must-try – Tomatillo Pasta Recipe
🥄 The Best Sauces & Toppings for Mac and Cheese
Take your Tini’s Mac and Cheese to the next level with these delicious toppings and sauces:
🔥 Hot Sauce or Sriracha – Adds a spicy kick!
🥓 Crispy Bacon Crumbles – Smoky, crunchy, and irresistible.
🧄 Garlic Butter Drizzle – For extra richness.
🧀 More Cheese! – Sprinkle extra Parmesan or cheddar on top.
🌿 Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley or green onions add freshness.
🍽️ What to Serve with Mac and Cheese
Make it a full meal by pairing Tini’s Mac and Cheese with these tasty sides:
🥩 Protein Pairings: BBQ chicken, grilled steak, or pulled pork.
🥦 Veggies: Roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or a crisp side salad.
🍞 Bread: Garlic bread or buttery biscuits.
If you love cheesy pasta dishes, you’ll love this ultra-rich baked spaghetti! – Million Dollar Spaghetti
Craving extra protein? Try serving mac and cheese alongside this smoky brisket bacon! – Texas Brisket Bacon Recipe
❌ Common Mac and Cheese Problems & How to Fix Them
🔸 Why is my mac and cheese grainy?
✔ Use freshly grated cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
🔸 How do I prevent my cheese sauce from getting too thick?
✔ If it thickens too much, add a splash of warm milk to loosen it.
🔸 How do I stop my mac and cheese from drying out in the oven?
✔ Don’t overbake! Cover it with foil for the first 10 minutes to trap moisture.
🔸 Can I make mac and cheese without a roux?
✔ Yes! Skip the flour and use a mix of cream cheese and heavy cream for a different type of creamy sauce.
🥶 Storage & Reheating Tips
Refrigerator:
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming.
Best Way to Reheat Mac and Cheese:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and reheat over low heat, stirring often.
- Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Add a little milk and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Pro Tip: Stir in a little butter or extra cheese while reheating to restore creaminess!
❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble it, store it in the fridge, and bake when ready. Add extra milk before baking to keep it creamy.
Q: Can I make this mac and cheese gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.
Q: Can I make this without dairy?
A: Yes! Use dairy-free cheese, coconut milk, and vegan butter for a plant-based version.
Q: What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
A: A mix of cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan works great, but you can also try Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different flavors!
🎉 Conclusion – Try This Ultimate Comfort Food!
What are you waiting for? Tini’s Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious! Whether you keep it classic, add crispy bacon, or spice it up, this dish will be a hit every time. Pair it with BBQ chicken, a fresh salad, or buttery garlic bread for the perfect meal.
🔥 Want a drink pairing? Try it with a glass of lemonade, a cold beer, or even a creamy milkshake for an indulgent experience!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! 😃 What’s your favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese?
Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large pot
- Deep skillet
- Whisk
- Baking dish (notes: if baking with crispy topping)
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni notes: or pasta of choice
- 4 tbsp Butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese notes: shredded
- 1 cup Gouda cheese notes: shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese notes: grated
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- Salt & black pepper notes: to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs notes: optional, for crispy topping
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes notes: optional, for a kick
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a deep skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, gouda, and parmesan cheese. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated. Serve as is or proceed with the baked version.
- (Optional) For crispy baked mac and cheese: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese and panko breadcrumbs on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm and enjoy!