Easy Tinis Mac Cheese (Printable)

Creamy macaroni with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, ready in 30 minutes for a comforting meal.

# What you need:

→ Pasta

01 - 4 ounces elbow macaroni

→ Sauce

02 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/8 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Topping

10 - 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs (optional)
11 - 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
03 - Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
04 - Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until cheese melts completely and sauce is smooth.
05 - Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Preheat broiler. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and comforting
  • Perfect for a fast weeknight meal or cozy lunch
02 -
  • Try adding a pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce for extra flavor
  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version
03 -
  • For smoother sauce, temper the milk by adding it gradually while whisking
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for best flavor balance
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