Description
Mac and cheese lovers discover this viral tinis mac and cheese recipe that simplifies comfort food with unexpected ingredients. Rich creamy textures and bold flavors make this dish irresistible for quick weeknight dinners you’ll want to devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeses:
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Base:
- 1 pound (1 lb) elbow macaroni
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
- 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Create a roux by melting butter in a medium saucepan over moderate heat, then incorporate flour. Whisk continuously for 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour milk and heavy cream into roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Enhance sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Lower heat to minimum and incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Fold cooked macaroni into cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
- For a golden, crispy top, transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Broil at 450°F for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Notes
- Customize pasta type by using gluten-free or whole wheat options for dietary needs.
- Balance cheese blend carefully to prevent sauce from becoming too oily or separating during melting.
- Prevent grainy sauce by adding cheese gradually and stirring consistently at low heat.
- Create extra texture by topping with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before broiling for added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 765 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg