Description

A rich, creamy mac and cheese recipe that strikes the perfect balance between comfort and indulgence. Tini’s Mac and Cheese features a velvety cheese sauce made with a trio of cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan—and is topped with buttery, golden panko breadcrumbs. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make yet elegant enough for special occasions. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, this baked mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground white pepper
½ teaspoon mustard powder
½ teaspoon paprika

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook pasta until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and toss with butter.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
Gradually add warm milk and cream, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add salt, white pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted.
Add pasta to the sauce, mixing until well coated.
Pour into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine panko, melted butter, and Parmesan for the topping. Sprinkle over the pasta.
Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For a smoky flavor, add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or swap mozzarella for smoked gouda.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra heartiness.
Resting time after baking ensures the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t run.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 520
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg