There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, creamy bowl of mac and cheese. Whether it’s a side dish at a family gathering, a quick lunch on a busy day, or the ultimate late-night indulgence, mac and cheese has a special place in so many hearts. And when a recipe goes viral—especially on TikTok—you know it’s worth trying!
Tini’s famous mac and cheese took the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s ultra-creamy, extra cheesy, and perfectly balanced between gooey and flavorful. Unlike the classic stovetop mac and cheese, this version adds a little twist, making it even more irresistible. If you’ve ever struggled to get that restaurant-quality, silky cheese sauce at home, this recipe will change the game for you.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a potluck, or even just to see what all the hype is about, this viral mac and cheese will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make it step by step!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy & Cheesy – This recipe doesn’t skimp on cheese, ensuring every bite is rich and velvety.
- Easy to Make – Even if you’re new to cooking, this method is simple and foolproof.
- No-Fail Cheese Sauce – Say goodbye to clumpy or grainy cheese sauces. This method ensures smooth, melt-in-your-mouth results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether for a holiday meal, a casual weeknight dinner, or a fun social media food challenge, this mac and cheese delivers.
- Customizable – You can tweak the ingredients to match your preferences, adding more spice, different cheeses, or even protein to make it heartier.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
How to Make Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still slightly firm. You don’t want mushy pasta, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce later.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a little butter to prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine. This mixture is what gives the mac and cheese its luscious texture.
Gradually add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Once the cheese has fully melted, it’s time to add the seasoning. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices enhance the flavor and balance the richness of the cheese.
If you want to add a little kick, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta is coated in the gooey goodness. At this point, you could serve it as a stovetop mac and cheese, but for the ultimate TikTok-style dish, we’re taking it to the next level.
Step 5: Bake for the Perfect Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
For a crispy, golden topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the top. This step gives the dish an incredible texture contrast—creamy on the inside, crispy on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese sauce will thicken slightly, making it even more indulgent. Serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite meal.
Helpful Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. For the creamiest results, always shred your own cheese.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Since it continues cooking in the oven, slightly undercook it when boiling to maintain the perfect texture.
- Mix Cheese Varieties – A combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda creates a rich and balanced flavor. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
- Add Some Protein – For a heartier dish, mix in cooked beef sausage or shredded chicken before baking.
- Customize the Spice Level – Add cayenne pepper, chili flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Side Dish or Main Course
- Method: Stovetop & Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian (without sausage)
Notes
- Use High-Quality Cheese – The better the cheese, the better the flavor! Opt for high-quality blocks of cheese and shred them yourself for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Prevent Grainy Sauce – To avoid a grainy texture, make sure to add the cheese gradually over low to medium heat. High heat can cause the cheese to break and become clumpy.
- Adjust the Consistency – If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or heavy cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Experiment with Seasonings – This recipe includes garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for depth of flavor, but you can also add mustard powder, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
- Make It Extra Crispy – If you love a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little butter and broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking for an extra golden crust.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Make It Ahead – You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Double the Batch for Leftovers – This mac and cheese is even better the next day! Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing
Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Recipe Without Baking It?
Yes! If you prefer a stovetop mac and cheese, simply skip the baking step and serve it right after mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce.
What’s the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but mixing it with mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack creates an even creamier texture and deeper flavor.
How Can I Make It Extra Creamy?
Using a mix of whole milk and heavy cream helps keep the sauce super rich. Also, adding a bit of cream cheese can take it to the next level!
Related Recipes
If you loved this mac and cheese, try these other delicious dishes:
Final Thoughts
Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese isn’t just another internet trend—it’s a must-try recipe that lives up to the hype. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is pure comfort in every bite.
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Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about a big, creamy bowl of mac and cheese. Whether it’s a side dish at a family gathering, a quick lunch on a busy day, or the ultimate late-night indulgence, mac and cheese has a special place in so many hearts. And when a recipe goes viral—especially on TikTok—you know it’s worth trying!
Tini’s famous mac and cheese took the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s ultra-creamy, extra cheesy, and perfectly balanced between gooey and flavorful. Unlike the classic stovetop mac and cheese, this version adds a little twist, making it even more irresistible. If you’ve ever struggled to get that restaurant-quality, silky cheese sauce at home, this recipe will change the game for you.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, a potluck, or even just to see what all the hype is about, this viral mac and cheese will become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it and how to make it step by step!
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded gouda cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup beef sausage, cooked and crumbled (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for a crispy topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—tender but still slightly firm. You don’t want mushy pasta, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce later.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a little butter to prevent it from sticking together. Set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly to combine. This mixture is what gives the mac and cheese its luscious texture.
Gradually add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Once the cheese has fully melted, it’s time to add the seasoning. Stir in the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. These spices enhance the flavor and balance the richness of the cheese.
If you want to add a little kick, you can sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce!
Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece of pasta is coated in the gooey goodness. At this point, you could serve it as a stovetop mac and cheese, but for the ultimate TikTok-style dish, we’re taking it to the next level.
Step 5: Bake for the Perfect Finish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
For a crispy, golden topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle them over the top. This step gives the dish an incredible texture contrast—creamy on the inside, crispy on top.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. The cheese sauce will thicken slightly, making it even more indulgent. Serve it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite meal.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Cheese – The better the cheese, the better the flavor! Opt for high-quality blocks of cheese and shred them yourself for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.
- Prevent Grainy Sauce – To avoid a grainy texture, make sure to add the cheese gradually over low to medium heat. High heat can cause the cheese to break and become clumpy.
- Adjust the Consistency – If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or heavy cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Experiment with Seasonings – This recipe includes garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika for depth of flavor, but you can also add mustard powder, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce for a little extra kick.
- Make It Extra Crispy – If you love a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with a little butter and broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes after baking for an extra golden crust.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.
- Make It Ahead – You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just pop it in the oven when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Double the Batch for Leftovers – This mac and cheese is even better the next day! Make a larger batch and enjoy leftovers for easy meals throughout the week.