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Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe served in a light blue casserole dish, featuring creamy, cheesy macaroni with a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping. A comforting and delicious homemade baked mac and cheese dish.

Best Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe​

Personal-sized mac and cheese made with sharp cheddar and Gruyère, baked in ramekins with a crispy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for individual servings.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: tini's mac and cheese recipe​
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Cost: $13

Equipment

  • 6 (4-ounce) ramekins or a 12-cup muffin tin
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Baking sheet

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 cup elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • ½ cup Gruyère cheese grated
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg

For the Topping:

  • ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease 6 ramekins or a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Place them on a baking sheet for easier handling.

Cook the Pasta

  • Cook the macaroni in salted water for about 2 minutes less than the package directions indicate. You want it slightly underdone as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat
  • Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to make a roux
  • Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps
  • Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes
  • Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère until melted
  • Add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
  • Fold in the cooked macaroni until well coated

Prepare the Topping

  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese until well mixed.

Assemble and Bake

  • Divide the mac and cheese mixture among the prepared ramekins or muffin cups
  • Sprinkle each portion with the breadcrumb topping
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and bubbly

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for best results
  • Let rest 5 minutes before serving
  • For muffin tin portions, use a cookie scoop for even sizing

Nutrition

Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 58mg | Sodium: 480mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Calcium: 320mg | Iron: 1mg