Go Back
Tini’s Surprise-Ingredient Mac & Cheese is not your ordinary mac and cheese. This dish elevates the familiar comfort food by incorporating unexpected ingredients that enhance its flavor profile and nutritional value. Let's dive into the key surprise ingredients that make this dish a standout.

Tini’s “Surprise-Ingredient” Mac & Cheese

Discover the magic of Tini's Surprise-Ingredient Mac & Cheese, a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table. This innovative recipe features a creamy blend of cheeses, unexpected ingredients like Dijon mustard and Sriracha, and the option to add crispy bacon or fresh veggies for extra flavor. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this mac and cheese will elevate your culinary repertoire and satisfy your cravings in a whole new way. Get ready to transform your family favorite into an extraordinary dish!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)

½ cup frozen peas (or substitute with spinach for an extra veggie boost)

Salt and black pepper to taste

¼ cup bread crumbs (for topping)

1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Pour 4 cups of water into a large pot and bring it to a rolling boil. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

    Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for approximately 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and forms a roux.

      Incorporate Milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

        Cheese It Up: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese into the thickened sauce. Continue stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.

          Mix in the Surprises: Add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and sriracha to the cheese sauce. For a delightful twist, fold in the cooked bacon and frozen peas (or spinach) at this point. Mix thoroughly and season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences.

            Combine Sauce and Pasta: Gently pour the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy goodness.

              Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

                Topping: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon of olive oil until the breadcrumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the mac & cheese for a delightful crispy topping.

                  Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

                    Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the dish to cool slightly before serving. Dish up while warm as a comforting meal or side, and enjoy the delightful surprise of hidden ingredients that will impress everyone at the table!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6-8