Tini’s Mac and Cheese

The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese to satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a twist on the classic comfort food, bringing an extra rich, velvety cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that will make this dish the star of any meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or hosting a gathering, this mac and cheese will be a hit every time.

Packed with two types of cheese, a hint of mustard, and a touch of seasoning, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is far from ordinary. Serve it as a main dish, or as a side to your favorite protein – no one can resist a bowl of this gooey goodness!

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

250g elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
30g unsalted butter
30g all-purpose flour
500ml whole milk
200g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
150g mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping (Optional but Recommended):

50g panko breadcrumbs
20g grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon melted butter
Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the elbow macaroni (or your chosen pasta shape) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the noodles evenly.
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping (Optional)

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese for a crispy, golden topping.

Step 5: Bake (Optional)

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
Bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can skip the baking and serve the mac and cheese immediately.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color (optional).
Serve Tini’s Mac and Cheese hot, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Makes 4 Servings)

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 18g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fats: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient choices.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Tini’s Mac and Cheese

✨ Use a mix of cheeses – Cheddar gives sharpness and flavor, while mozzarella adds creaminess.

✨ Add extra seasonings – Paprika, cayenne pepper, or even mustard powder can give your mac and cheese an extra kick.

✨ Make it ahead – You can assemble the mac and cheese a day in advance, and just bake when you’re ready to serve.

✨ Customize your topping – Add bacon bits, chopped herbs, or even crispy fried onions for added flavor and texture.

✨ Adjust the consistency – If you prefer a saucier mac and cheese, add a splash more milk to the sauce until you reach your desired creaminess.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Super Creamy – A cheese sauce that’s rich, velvety, and perfectly smooth.
✔ Simple to Make – Ready in about 30 minutes.
✔ Customizable – Adjust the cheese blend and toppings to suit your taste.
✔ Make-Ahead – Easily prepped ahead of time and baked later for convenience.
✔ Perfect for All Occasions – Serve it as a side dish or as the main course for a comforting meal.