Description
Discover the secret blend of cheeses Tini uses to create her rich, creamy, and flavorful mac and cheese. Learn how to make this classic comfort dish with step-by-step instructions and tips for variations.
Ingredients
Scale
- Cheeses:
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
- Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional Add-ins:
- A pinch of paprika or nutmeg
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or bake with a Parmesan breadcrumb topping at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother sauce.
- Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- For variations, add vegetables like broccoli or proteins like chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop/Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
Keywords: What cheese does Tini use in mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, mac and cheese recipe, cheese blends for mac and cheese