tini macaroni and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
tini macaroni and cheese recipe
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The Best tini macaroni and cheese recipe

Tini Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food dish that has been a staple in my household for years. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to please both me and my family.

I remember making it for the first time when my kids were young, and they just loved it. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, al dente pasta, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping is a winning formula that has been passed down through generations of home cooks.

What I love about this recipe is that it’s easy to make, can be customized to suit individual tastes, and is perfect for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. My kids still ask for it whenever they’re feeling down or need a pick-me-up, and I’m happy to oblige because I know how much they love it.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques.

One of the things that sets Tini Macaroni apart from other macaroni recipes is its use of a roux-based cheese sauce. This technique may seem intimidating at first, but trust me when I say it’s worth the extra effort.

The resulting sauce is smooth, rich, and utterly addictive – and the best part is that you can customize the flavors to suit your taste by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to the cheese sauce before pouring it over the pasta.

Tini Macaroni and Cheese

Tini Macaroni and Cheese

4.8 from 1182 votes

A comforting classic pasta dish with a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy topping. This recipe serves four people.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Macaroni

2 cups elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder

For the Topping

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
2Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
3Drain the macaroni using a sieve and set aside.
4While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
5Add the flour and whisk to form a roux.
6Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the mixture turns light brown.
7Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
8Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens slightly and begins to bubble.
9This should take about 5-7 minutes.
10Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
11Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
12In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce.
13Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated.
14Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a baking dish and spread it out evenly.
15Preheat the oven to 375°F.
16In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
17Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
18Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
19Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Sieve
Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

Watch Video Of How Tini Macaroni and Cheese Works

One thing I love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – whether you’re serving it as a main course or using it as an ingredient in other dishes like casseroles or lasagna fillings. And don’t even get me started on reheating ideas!

A quick microwave zap or oven reheat always brings back that freshly baked flavor without all the fuss of starting from scratch again. So next time you’re planning dinner or need something comforting on hand – give this classic recipe another try!

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Tini Macaroni and Cheese

1. What type of pasta should I use for Tini Macaroni?

The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, which is the perfect shape for this dish because it holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. You can also use other short pasta shapes like shells or rotini if you prefer – just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the shape you choose.

2. Can I make Tini Macaroni ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time by cooking the pasta and making the cheese sauce separately. Then simply assemble everything just before baking – this will save you time on the day of serving.

3. How do I prevent the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy?

To prevent the breadcrumb topping from getting soggy, sprinkle it with a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will help keep it crispy even after baking.

4. Can I substitute different types of cheese in this recipe?

While cheddar cheese is traditional in Tini Macaroni, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina if you prefer a milder flavor.

5. How do I store leftover Tini Macaroni?

You can store leftover Tini Macaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to two months.

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