Tinis Mac and Cheese
Tinis Mac and Cheese is a modern twist on the classic comfort dish. This recipe features a velvety, three-cheese sauce that clings lovingly to tender elbow macaroni, all crowned with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish brings warmth, rich flavor, and a touch of elegance to any table.
Equipment
- Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the macaroni.
- Medium Saucepan: For preparing the roux and cheese sauce.
- Whisk: To combine ingredients smoothly.
- Mixing Bowl: For tossing pasta with the sauce.
- Baking Dish (9×9 inch or similar): For assembling and baking the dish.
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
- Oven – Preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Ingredients
- Pasta & Topping
- Elbow Macaroni: 8 ounces about 2 cups uncooked
- Panko or Regular Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
- Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons for breadcrumb topping
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cheese Sauce
- Unsalted Butter: 3 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
- Whole Milk: 2 cups room temperature
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated
- Salt: ½ teaspoon adjust to taste
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: ¼ teaspoon optional, for a subtle smoky flavor
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly butter a 9×9 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni until it is al dente (usually 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1–2 minutes to form a roux. (Do not let it brown.)
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to smooth out any lumps.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Combine Pasta & Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the drained macaroni with the cheese sauce until well coated.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add the breadcrumbs and toast them for about 2–3 minutes until they’re lightly golden and crisp.
- Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the pasta.
- Bake:
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until the edges are bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is nicely browned.
- If desired, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes to get an extra-crispy top (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Garnish & Serve:
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley (if using), and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
- Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (including stovetop and baking)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop (sauce preparation) then Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Keywords
- Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Family Dinner, Three-Cheese Sauce, Tinis Recipe
- Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)
- Serving Size: About 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Total Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
- Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient variations.
Notes
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of blue cheese for a sharper flavor.
Spice It Up: For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. Allow extra baking time if baking directly from a cold state.
Breadcrumb Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, you can mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs with the breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Enjoy your Tinis Mac and Cheese—a dish that combines the creamy indulgence of a classic comfort food with a satisfying, crunchy finish!
Spice It Up: For a kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator. Allow extra baking time if baking directly from a cold state.
Breadcrumb Tip: For an extra-crispy topping, you can mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or dried herbs with the breadcrumbs.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Enjoy your Tinis Mac and Cheese—a dish that combines the creamy indulgence of a classic comfort food with a satisfying, crunchy finish!