Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese (Printable Version)
Ultra-creamy macaroni with cheddar, mozzarella, and milk for quick comfort anytime.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 9 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 2 cups whole milk
03 - 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons cream cheese
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
→ Seasonings
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
10 - ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
11 - ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente per package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Melt unsalted butter in the same pot over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute until combined.
03 - Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
04 - Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
05 - Return cooked pasta to the pot and stir until evenly coated with cheese sauce.
06 - Serve immediately. Garnish with additional cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Quick prep and cook time perfect for busy weeknights
- Achieves major creaminess with simple everyday ingredients
- Crowd-pleaser even picky kids ask for seconds
- Great base for creative add-ins like veggies or bacon
02 -
- Vegetarian friendly and easy to adapt
- Delivers that comforting cheese-pull effect every single time
- Leftovers are softer but can be revived with a splash of milk
03 -
- Always grate your cheese fresh for better melt quality
- Do not let the sauce boil fully keep it at a low simmer for the silkiest result
- Taste and adjust salt at the very end because cheese salt levels vary