Tini’s Mac and Cheese 🥘

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving feast. With a blend of rich cheeses and a crispy topping, this recipe elevates classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, it's sure to become a family favorite that everyone will rave about!

Freya Cooper

Created by

Freya Cooper

Last updated on 2025-11-23T10:06:44.016Z

A Comforting Classic

Tini's Mac and Cheese is more than just a dish; it's an experience that brings warmth and comfort to the dining table. Perfectly creamy and delectably cheesy, this recipe uses a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan that tantalizes the taste buds. Each cheesy bite offers a rich flavor profile that you simply can't resist. Whether it's a family gathering or a cozy night in, this mac and cheese is destined to delight everyone.

This comforting classic has been elevated to a whole new level. The addition of spices like garlic and onion powder adds depth to the cheese sauce, creating layers of flavor that are often missing in traditional recipes. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, cheesy pasta. It's this balance of textures and flavors that ensures this dish will be a hit at any gathering.

Perfect for Any Occasion

While Tini's Mac and Cheese shines during Thanksgiving, it's a versatile dish that can complement any meal. Serve it as a side dish alongside succulent roasted turkey or glazed ham, or enjoy it as a main course topped with fresh vegetables or proteins for added nutrition. It's easy to customize this recipe to fit your occasion, making it an ideal choice for birthday parties, potlucks, or casual weeknight dinners.

No matter the setting, you can trust that this classic mac and cheese will impress. It's a dish that encourages seconds, and even thirds! Plus, leftovers heat up beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. Consider making a double batch for an easy lunch or dinner throughout the week. It's all about convenience and deliciousness with Tini's Mac and Cheese.

Simple Yet Impressive

One of the best things about Tini's Mac and Cheese is how simple it is to make. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a dish that looks and tastes gourmet. The process begins with cooking the pasta to al dente perfection, followed by a quick and easy cheese sauce that showcases the rich flavors of the cheeses. This approachable recipe is perfect for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a taste of this rich dish.

The baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully while creating that sought-after golden crust. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this dish bakes is unparalleled, making everyone’s mouth water. When you pull that bubbling dish out of the oven, be prepared for compliments! Tini's Mac and Cheese is sure to become a staple in your collection of go-to recipes.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cheese

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Mix all ingredients well before proceeding to the next steps.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.

Combine and Bake

Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture over the pasta. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious mac and cheese!

Tips for Success

For the best results, make sure to use high-quality cheeses. Sharp cheddar offers a robust flavor, while mozzarella provides creaminess. Feel free to experiment by adding additional cheeses like Gruyère or Gouda for more depth. It's a great way to personalize your mac and cheese experience.

When it comes to baking, keep an eye on your dish to prevent overcooking. Every oven is different, so check for that perfect golden-brown crust around the 20-minute mark. If you prefer a darker crust, broil for an additional minute or so, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Variations to Explore

Make Tini's Mac and Cheese even more nutritious by adding steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even caramelized onions. These additions not only elevate the dish but also introduce new flavors and textures that complement the cheese beautifully. You can also incorporate proteins such as cooked chicken, bacon, or even pulled pork for a heartier meal.

For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or add a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. This version is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their comfort food. Play around with these variations to make this classic recipe your own!

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it before serving.

Tini’s Mac and Cheese 🥘

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for your Thanksgiving feast. With a blend of rich cheeses and a crispy topping, this recipe elevates classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone meal, it's sure to become a family favorite that everyone will rave about!

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration30 minutes
Overall Time45 minutes

Created by: Freya Cooper

Recipe Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: easy

Final Quantity: 8 servings

What You'll Need

Pasta and Cheese

  1. 8 oz elbow macaroni
  2. 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  3. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  4. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients

  1. 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  2. 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  3. 4 cups milk
  4. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  5. 1 teaspoon onion powder
  6. Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  1. 1 cup breadcrumbs
  2. 2 tablespoons melted butter
  3. 1/2 teaspoon paprika

How-To Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 02

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses until melted.

Step 03

Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and paprika. Sprinkle the mixture over the pasta. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 18g