Description
Tinis Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese blends creamy comfort with social media excitement. Cheesy pasta layers promise rich flavors and simple preparation that home cooks can easily master with basic ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups (6 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (2 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (1.5 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, precisely timing the cooking to maintain optimal texture and prevent overcooking.
- Roux Foundation: Melt butter in a large saucepan, whisking in flour to create a smooth, golden base that will thicken the cheese sauce and provide a rich underlying flavor.
- Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk into the roux, continuously whisking to eliminate any potential lumps, allowing the mixture to transform into a creamy, uniform consistency.
- Cheese Integration: Combine sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, stirring until completely melted and incorporated, creating a complex and luxurious flavor profile.
- Flavor Enhancement: Fold in sour cream, then season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to elevate the sauce’s depth and complexity.
- Final Assembly: Combine drained pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is thoroughly coated in the rich, creamy mixture, then transfer to a baking dish.
- Crispy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese, then broil until the surface turns golden brown and develops a satisfying, crunchy texture.
Notes
Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Watch carefully during boiling to maintain al dente texture, testing pasta frequently to avoid mushy consistency.
Smooth Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously over low heat, ensuring no burning or clumping for a perfectly silky sauce base.
Cheese Melting Strategy: Grate cheeses at room temperature and add gradually, stirring constantly to prevent separation and achieve uniform melting.
Breadcrumb Browning Hack: Position oven rack close to broiler element and monitor closely to achieve golden-brown topping without burning, rotating dish for even coloration.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg