There's nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese to bring comfort to your day. And when a recipe goes viral on TikTok, you know it has to be good. Tini’s mac and cheese has taken social media by storm, and for good reason—it's incredibly rich, extra creamy, and packed with bold, cheesy flavor.
I first tried this recipe after seeing countless videos of people raving about how easy and delicious it was. The method is unconventional, skipping the traditional roux and going straight for ultra-melty goodness. One bite, and I was hooked! Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Why You'll Love This Mac and Cheese
Get ready to make the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese of your life. Tini’s viral TikTok recipe is a game-changer, and here’s why you’ll love it.
First off, it's ridiculously easy to make. Forget about complicated steps—this method keeps things simple while delivering incredible results. No need to fuss over making a roux or baking it in the oven.
It's also insanely creamy. The secret? A mix of different cheeses and heavy cream that coats every bite of pasta in silky, gooey goodness.
If you’re a fan of bold, cheesy flavor, this recipe won’t disappoint. With a combination of sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, every bite is packed with the perfect balance of tangy, nutty, and savory flavors.
Best of all, this mac and cheese is totally customizable. Want to add crispy bacon, hot sauce, or even some jalapeños for a kick? Go for it! The base recipe is delicious, but the possibilities are endless.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of Tini’s mac and cheese lies in its simple yet carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a role in achieving the perfect creamy consistency and rich flavor.
The pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but feel free to use shells or cavatappi for extra texture. The key is to cook it just to al dente so it holds up to the sauce.
The cheese blend: A mix of sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan gives the best flavor. The cheddar brings tanginess, the gouda melts beautifully, and the parmesan adds a touch of nuttiness. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grating your own cheese ensures a smoother sauce.
Heavy cream and whole milk: Instead of using a traditional flour-based roux, this recipe relies on heavy cream and whole milk to create an ultra-creamy sauce. This method keeps it extra rich without any graininess.
Butter: A good amount of butter adds richness and helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce. Don’t skimp on this—it makes a big difference!
Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, and a little smoked paprika enhance the cheesy flavors. Some versions also add garlic powder for an extra savory kick.
How To Make This Mac and Cheese
Making this viral mac and cheese is simpler than you might think. Here’s how you can recreate it at home.
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook it just until al dente. You want it to be tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue absorbing the sauce.
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring occasionally. Let it heat up until it’s warm but not boiling.
Next, it’s time to add the cheese. Start with the sharp cheddar, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Follow with the gouda and finally the parmesan, mixing continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Drain the cooked pasta and immediately add it to the cheese sauce. Stir well, ensuring every noodle is fully coated in the rich, velvety mixture. Let it cook for another minute or two over low heat so the flavors meld together.
The entire process takes about 20 minutes, making this a perfect quick-fix meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare because this mac and cheese is so good!), here’s how to store them properly.
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy consistency.
For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop with extra milk to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this mac and cheese is how adaptable it is. Here are a few fun ways to switch it up:
Love a little heat? Add hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick. You can also mix in diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Want extra protein? Stir in cooked bacon, grilled chicken, or even lobster for a decadent twist.
Prefer a baked version? Transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F until golden brown.
Dairy-free? Use plant-based cheese, almond milk, and vegan butter for a creamy, non-dairy alternative.
No matter how you customize it, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit. Give it a try and see why it took TikTok by storm!
PrintTini’s Viral Tiktok Mac And Cheese Recipe
Tini’s viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for a cozy meal or a crowd-pleasing side. Follow this easy method to recreate the internet’s favorite mac and cheese at home!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Gradually add shredded cheeses, stirring until fully melted.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until evenly coated.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For a baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
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