There's nothing quite like the rich, gooey, and ultra-creamy comfort of mac and cheese. But when TikTok sensation Tini shared her twist on this classic dish, the internet went wild. This Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe is unbelievably smooth, extra cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests at a gathering.
I first came across Tini’s recipe while scrolling late at night, instantly mesmerized by the way she effortlessly blended simple ingredients into a decadent dish. After one bite, I knew this version was something special. Now, it’s a staple in my kitchen, and trust me, you’re about to become just as obsessed.
Why You'll Love This Mac and Cheese
Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game! Tini’s version isn’t just another baked pasta dish—it’s a creamy, dreamy sensation that’s taken the internet by storm.
First off, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills—just a few pantry staples and a love for cheesy goodness.
It’s also ultra creamy and smooth, thanks to a secret technique that ensures every bite is rich and velvety. No more grainy or dry mac and cheese here!
Another reason to love it? The cheese pull is next-level. With the perfect blend of cheeses, this dish melts beautifully, creating that satisfying stretch in every forkful.
Best of all, it’s completely customizable. Whether you want to add crispy bacon, swap in gluten-free pasta, or spice it up with hot sauce, this recipe adapts to your taste.
Once you try this mac and cheese, you’ll never go back to the boxed stuff again!
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese lies in its simple yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy texture and bold flavor.
The Pasta – Elbow macaroni is the go-to for this dish, thanks to its classic shape that holds onto the cheesy sauce beautifully. However, you can also use shells or cavatappi for extra texture.
The Cheese Blend – A combination of sharp cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella creates the perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and stretchy goodness. Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly, so it’s best to grate it fresh.
Evaporated Milk & Heavy Cream – Instead of just regular milk, Tini uses a mix of evaporated milk and heavy cream for an ultra-rich base. This combo ensures a silky consistency without being too heavy.
Seasonings & Extras – A touch of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder adds depth, while a small splash of hot sauce (trust me on this!) enhances the cheesy flavor without making it spicy.
No fancy equipment is needed—just a large pot, a whisk, and a baking dish (if you choose to bake it). Let’s get cooking!
How To Make Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
Creating this ultra-creamy mac and cheese is a simple process, but a few key steps make all the difference. Follow along for the best results!
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until just al dente. You don’t want it too soft, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
In a large pot over medium heat, melt a generous amount of butter. Once melted, whisk in a bit of flour to create a roux—this is the secret to a thick, velvety sauce. Let it cook for a minute to remove any raw flour taste.
Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Allow the mixture to heat up, but don’t let it boil. This step ensures a silky, lump-free sauce.
Now, it’s time for the star ingredient: the cheese blend. Gradually add in the freshly grated cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella, stirring continuously until completely melted. This is where the magic happens—the sauce becomes luxuriously thick and stretchy.
Once the cheese sauce is ready, toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix until every piece is coated. At this point, you can either serve it straight from the pot or pour it into a baking dish for a quick broil to achieve a golden, crispy top.
From start to finish, this dish takes just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), storing this mac and cheese properly will keep it just as delicious the next day.
For the best freshness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but don’t worry—a splash of milk when reheating will bring it back to life.
To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent clumping.
Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as the cheese sauce can become grainy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Tini’s mac and cheese recipe is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences.
Add Protein – Want to make it a heartier meal? Stir in crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
Spice It Up – If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or a swirl of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Make It Gluten-Free – Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Go Extra Cheesy – For even more cheesiness, stir in a handful of Parmesan or Monterey Jack along with the original cheese blend.
Baked Version – If you prefer a baked mac and cheese, top it with buttery panko breadcrumbs and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
No matter how you customize it, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit!
Once you try Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese, you’ll understand why it became an internet sensation. Creamy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive, it’s a must-have recipe for any mac and cheese lover. Give it a try and get ready for everyone to beg for seconds!
PrintTini’s Viral Tiktok Mac And Cheese Recipe
Tini’s viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe is a rich, creamy, and ultra-cheesy dish that has taken the internet by storm. Made with a blend of gooey cheeses and a velvety sauce, this homemade mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a quick indulgence, this easy recipe will become your go-to favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well.
- Lower heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked pasta and stir until fully coated in the cheese sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can be baked for a crispy top by adding breadcrumbs and baking at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
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