This Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is the creamiest, cheesiest, and most indulgent version of mac and cheese that has taken social media by storm! With a rich, velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a party, or just a comfort food craving, this viral mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a new favorite!
Ingredients for Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (enhances cheese flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
the Crispy Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- 9×13-inch baking dish (if baking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
- Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and golden (this creates a roux).
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, whisking until melted and creamy.
3. Combine the Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- If serving stovetop-style, let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken, then serve warm.
4. Bake for Extra Flavor (Optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides!
Expert Tips for the Best TikTok Mac and Cheese
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
For extra creaminess, add ½ cup sour cream or a splash of evaporated milk to the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the roux step – It thickens the sauce and prevents a grainy texture.
Overheating the cheese – Always melt cheese on low heat to prevent curdling.
Adding cheese to boiling liquid – Let the sauce cool slightly before stirring in cheese to avoid separation.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
- Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top.
- Pair with BBQ ribs, fried chicken, or roasted veggies.
- Garnish with crispy bacon bits or a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Microwave: Warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until creamy.
Freezing:
- Not recommended, as dairy-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- Use different cheeses – Try Gouda, Pepper Jack, or Smoked Cheddar for a unique twist.
- Make it extra indulgent – Stir in crispy bacon, lobster, or shredded BBQ chicken.
What to Serve with Viral Mac and Cheese
- BBQ brisket or pulled pork
- Southern-style fried chicken
- Collard greens or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Cornbread or garlic biscuits
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use evaporated milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes! Evaporated milk is a great substitute and adds a rich texture.
How do I keep mac and cheese creamy?
Use whole milk and heavy cream, and reheat with a splash of milk to prevent drying out.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately, then mix and bake when ready to serve.
Conclusion
This Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors, making it the ultimate comfort food! Whether served stovetop-style or baked, this recipe is easy, indulgent, and guaranteed to impress.
Try it today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more trending recipes!
Calories Per Serving
Approximate Calories: 480 kcal per serving (based on 6 servings).
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 6
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Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese – Ultra Creamy & Cheesy!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor! A cheesy comfort dish that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
- 1 tablespoon butter (to prevent sticking)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder (enhances cheese flavor)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Crispy Topping (Optional):
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
- Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon butter to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and golden (this creates a roux).
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder.
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese, whisking until melted and creamy.
3. Combine the Pasta & Cheese Sauce
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- If serving stovetop-style, let it sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken, then serve warm.
4. Bake for Extra Flavor (Optional)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with extra cheese, fresh parsley, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Serve warm with your favorite sides!
Notes
✔ Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta – Slightly undercooked pasta will absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.
✔ For extra creaminess, add ½ cup sour cream or a splash of evaporated milk to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480