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viral mac and cheese with bacon and scallions 1

Viral “Tini’s” Mac & Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: 55 minutes Servings: 6–8 servings
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients
  • For the Pasta & Sauce:
  • 1 lb 450 g elbow macaroni
  • 1 stick ½ cup / 115 g unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup 30 g all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups 720 ml whole milk, warmed
  • 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
  • 2 cups 200 g sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 ½ cups 150 g Colby Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup 100 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • For the Topping:
  • 1 ½ cups 150 g shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup 100 g panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • Pinch of paprika

Method
 

  1. Directions
  2. Preheat the Oven
  3. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Cook the Pasta
  5. Boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente (about 1 minute shy of package directions). Drain and set aside.
  6. Make the Roux
  7. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbly.
  8. Add the Dairy
  9. Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 4–5 minutes).
  10. Add Seasoning & Cheese
  11. Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
  12. Combine Pasta & Sauce
  13. Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until evenly coated.
  14. Assemble the Dish
  15. Pour into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the top with shredded cheddar.
  16. Make the Topping
  17. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and a pinch of paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
  18. Bake
  19. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  20. Cool & Serve
  21. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for the perfect creamy texture.

Notes

Chef’s Tip
• For Tini’s viral “cheese pull” effect, stir in an extra ½ cup of mozzarella before baking.
• For extra spice, mix a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
• To recreate her “loaded” version, top with crumbled bacon, scallions, and a drizzle of ranch before serving.