What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Homemade Tinis Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and simple steps make it a favorite for both kids and adults.
- Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll whip this up in no time.
- Extra cheesy: Packed with gooey, melty cheese, this dish delivers that ultimate comfort food vibe.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like bacon, breadcrumbs, or veggies to make it your own.
Recipe
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. This homemade Tinis Mac and Cheese recipe is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick dinner or a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Colander
Time
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine
American
Serving
4 servings
Nutrition
2 lines intro:
This homemade mac and cheese recipe is rich and creamy, perfect for a comforting meal. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrition | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Total Carbs | 45 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my mac and cheese with a fresh side salad for some crisp contrast, or garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad works wonders, and there’s nothing like warm, buttery garlic bread fresh from the oven. It’s all about balancing comfort food with lighter, flavorful bites.
Side Salad Options
When I’m serving up a comforting plate of mac and cheese, I always like to balance it with something fresh and light—like a side salad. A simple mix of crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette works wonders to cut through the richness of the dish. Sometimes, I’ll toss in shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for extra crunch. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add crumbled feta or a handful of nuts for texture. The key is keeping it simple and invigorating, so it complements, rather than overshadows, the star of the meal. It’s a perfect pairing!
Garlic Bread Ideas
Though mac and cheese is already a crowd-pleaser on its own, pairing it with garlic bread takes the meal to another level. I love making homemade garlic bread because it’s simple yet so flavorful. Start with a baguette or Italian loaf, slice it up, and spread a mix of butter, minced garlic, and parsley. For extra oomph, sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking until golden and crispy. Sometimes, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. The warm, buttery bread perfectly complements the creamy mac and cheese, making every bite feel like a cozy comfort feast.
