Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese
Are you looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both indulgent and easy to make? Meet Tini’s viral mac and cheese, the creamy, cheesy masterpiece that’s been winning over hearts (and appetites) all over TikTok. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is a total game-changer.
There’s a reason why Tini’s viral mac and cheese continues to trend—it delivers bold flavor and a rich, gooey texture every time.
This dish is the epitome of comfort: gooey, rich, and bursting with cheese flavour. It features a mouthwatering trio of cheeses—mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar—that melt into a velvety sauce that clings to every bite. What is your preferred pasta? Cavatappi, which curls perfectly to hold that dreamy cheese sauce in every nook. 🍝🧀
But it’s not just the cheese that makes this mac stand out—it’s the luxurious sauce. The base starts with a simple roux made from butter and flour, then is layered with evaporated milk, heavy cream, and seasoning staples like smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This combination brings depth, richness, and a mild kick that elevates it beyond your average boxed mac.
Baked until golden and bubbling on top, this mac and cheese comes out with the perfect crust—crispy around the edges, creamy, and molten in the centre. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and—dare we say—restaurant-worthy.
If you loved our Classic French Toast, Moist Banana Bread, or Easy Meatloaf, this recipe deserves a top spot on your comfort food list. It also pairs beautifully with our Strawberry Shortcake Trifles if you’re in the mood to serve a cozy meal from start to finish. 🥰
Want to change it up? Add cooked bacon, shredded chicken, or jalapeños for a spicy twist. Make it in a cast iron skillet for extra crispiness, or scoop leftovers into muffin tins for fun mac-and-cheese bites.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a mac-and-cheese connoisseur, this viral version delivers a bold flavour and the perfect texture in every bite. One thing’s for sure—it’ll be gone before it cools. Let’s get cooking! 🔥
🧀 Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Blend:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses.
- Mix well and divide the cheese mixture into two equal portions.
- Make the Roux:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbling and has a light golden color.
- Create the Cheese Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Continue to whisk until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add one portion of the cheese blend to the sauce, a handful at a time, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is well coated.
- Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
- Pour half of the pasta and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese blend over the pasta layer.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheese blend, ensuring an even distribution.
- Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- For a golden-brown top, switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve:
- Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Tips for Success
- Cheese Selection: Using a combination of cheeses adds depth of flavor. You are welcome to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique twist.
- Pasta Choice: Cavatappi holds onto the cheese sauce better than elbow macaroni or shells.
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Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature and then bake as directed.
Notes
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. To achieve the creamiest texture, please consider using block cheese and shredding it yourself.
- Pasta options: Cavatappi is ideal because it holds sauce well, but elbow macaroni, shells, or rotini also work great.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños if you like heat. You can also stir in cooked bacon or roasted garlic for extra flavor.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
- Extra crispy top: For a browned, bubbly finish, broil the mac and cheese for 2–3 minutes at the end—but keep an eye on it!
