Who says delicious has to be difficult? Introducing Best Tinis Macaroni and Cheese, the ultimate comfort food reimagined for your busy life. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness ready in minutes, using wholesome ingredients you can feel good about. It's not just fast; it's packed with flavor that will make your taste buds sing, and it's a meal I happily whip up for my kids when we need something quick and comforting. Best Tinis Macaroni and Cheese is your shortcut to a happy, healthy, and utterly satisfying meal.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother, Nana Rose, always had a pot of macaroni and cheese simmering on the stove when we visited. Her version was legendary, and this Best Tinis Macaroni and Cheese recipe tries to capture some of that comforting magic, but adapts it for the realities of modern life. It's a tribute to her, a nod to tradition, and a lifeline for busy weeknights. It’s the perfect way to recreate a beloved family meal with a delicious twist.
Ingredients
- Macaroni:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Make a Roux: Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (a roux).
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.
- Thicken the Sauce: Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Melt the Cheese: Remove from heat and add the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Mac and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Add topping (Optional): In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake (Optional): If using topping, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Best Tinis Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.1 pound elbow macaroni
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste (a roux).4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form.3 cups milk
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Remove from heat and add the cheddar cheese and Gruyere cheese (if using). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.1 pound elbow macaroni
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter
- If using topping, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!