tini's mac and cheese
tini's mac and cheese 🧀 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Avery Cyrus on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 31 min | Total: 1 hr 6 min
Cost: $11.59 total, $2.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni Noodles (Cook 8 minutes, then drain immediately to avoid mushiness)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (Hand shredded for best melt)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Hand shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Half of the seasoning mixture is added to the butter)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (Mix with butter to form a roux)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (Added after the roux is cooked a little)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Adds subtle tang, barely noticeable in the final sauce)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Add slowly to prevent curdling; keep heat low)
- 1 tablespoon Salt (Half added with butter, half added later)
- 1 tablespoon Black Pepper (Half added with butter, half added later)
- 1 tablespoon Paprika (Half added with butter, half added later)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder (Half added with butter, half added later)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook for exactly 8 minutes. Drain immediately in a colander; overcooking will make the noodles mushy.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 212°F
Prepare the Cheese
While the pasta cooks, hand‑shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses onto a large plate. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Make the Roux
In a saucepan melt 2 Tbsp butter over medium heat. Add half of each seasoning (1 Tbsp total of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder). Sprinkle the flour over the butter and whisk quickly to form a smooth paste. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is lightly golden but not browned.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Liquids
Slowly whisk in 1 cup evaporated milk, then stir in 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard. Reduce heat to low and gradually pour in 1 cup heavy cream, whisking continuously. Add the remaining seasonings (the other 1 Tbsp each of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder). Cook for 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Melt the Cheese
Reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella to the sauce, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. The sauce should stay glossy and not separate.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar on top for a golden crust.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake the dish for 20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 375°F
Broil for Crust
Switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2–3 minutes, watching closely, until the top cheese forms a deep golden‑brown crust.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Broil
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 55g
- Fat
- 32g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni Noodles: any short pasta shape such as shells or rotini
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Mild Gouda
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole wheat flour
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole milk
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half-and-half
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Cheese Grater
- Baking Dish (9x13 inch)
- Oven
- Spatula
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta exactly 8 minutes to keep it al dente.
- Forming a smooth roux without browning.
- Adding cream slowly over low heat to avoid curdling.
- Melting the cheese completely while keeping the sauce low and smooth.
- Broiling just long enough for a crust without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Hand‑shred the cheese instead of using pre‑shredded; it melts more smoothly and reduces added anti‑caking agents.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and a milder cheese (mozzarella) for both flavor and melt.
Troubleshooting
Sauce curdles or separates.
Reduce heat to low, add the cream more slowly, and whisk continuously. If separation occurs, whisk in a splash of extra milk to bring it back together.
Pasta becomes mushy.
Cook the macaroni for exactly 8 minutes, then drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
Top cheese does not brown.
Make sure the oven is fully preheated to 375°F and finish with a brief broil; keep a close eye on it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake 10‑15 minutes at 350°F.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of mac and cheese in American cuisine?
Macaroni and cheese originated in 18th‑century England and became a staple of American comfort food during the Great Depression, later popularized by TV shows and school cafeterias. It symbolizes homey, affordable indulgence in the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a breadcrumb topping and extra sharp cheddar; New England versions may use a creamy béchamel base with lobster. The dish also appears in baked forms across the Midwest, each adding local cheeses or spices.
How is mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served as a main or side dish at family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Mac and cheese is a go‑to comfort dish for Thanksgiving leftovers, Super Bowl parties, and casual family gatherings, representing easy, crowd‑pleasing comfort food.
What makes this ultimate baked mac and cheese special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
Avery Cyrus’s version uses hand‑shredded cheeses, a blend of evaporated milk and heavy cream, and a precise 8‑minute pasta cook to keep the noodles firm, resulting in an ultra‑creamy sauce with a perfectly crisp baked crust.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mac and cheese according to Avery Cyrus’s recipe?
Overcooking the pasta, letting the roux brown too much, adding cream too quickly, and neglecting the final broil are the biggest pitfalls. Each leads to mushy noodles, a grainy sauce, curdling, or a missing crust.
Why does this mac and cheese recipe use evaporated milk and heavy cream instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk adds richness without excess water, while heavy cream provides the fat needed for a silky texture and helps prevent curdling when combined with the roux over low heat.
Can I make this baked mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish; thaw in the fridge and bake directly, adding extra baking time.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the mac and cheese is done cooking?
The sauce should be bubbling around the edges, the top cheese golden‑brown and slightly crisp from the broil, and the noodles should be coated in a glossy, creamy sauce without any dry spots.
What does the YouTube channel Avery Cyrus specialize in?
The YouTube channel Avery Cyrus focuses on approachable, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often highlighting classic American dishes with clear step‑by‑step instructions and practical kitchen tips.
How does the YouTube channel Avery Cyrus's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Avery Cyrus emphasizes simplicity, hand‑shredded ingredients for better texture, and precise timing (like the 8‑minute pasta rule) to achieve restaurant‑quality results at home, whereas many channels rely on shortcuts or pre‑shredded products.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
