Name: Tini’s Viral Tiktok Mac And Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 4 tbsp butter; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

There's nothing quite like a bowl of rich, creamy mac and cheese, but when social media star Tini dropped her viral TikTok recipe, it took comfort food to the next level. This ultra-cheesy dish is velvety smooth, incredibly simple to make, and guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite.

I first stumbled upon this recipe while scrolling through TikTok, mesmerized by the way the cheese melted into the pasta like a dream. After trying it for myself, I knew this was going to be my go-to mac and cheese. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques—just a love for cheese and a craving for something indulgent.

Why You'll Love This Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese

Get ready to say goodbye to boxed mac and cheese forever—this recipe is a total game-changer.

First off, it’s quick and easy. You only need about 20 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a late-night craving.

It’s also incredibly creamy. The combination of multiple cheeses and a silky-smooth sauce makes each bite pure heaven.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable. You can switch up the cheeses, add seasonings, or throw in some crispy bacon for an extra twist.

Once you try this mac and cheese, you’ll understand why it went viral. Let’s dive into the magic behind this must-try recipe!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, but the quality of ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you need to know about each key component:

The Pasta: Classic elbow macaroni is the go-to for this dish, but you can also use shells, cavatappi, or any pasta with ridges to hold onto that creamy sauce. Cook the pasta just shy of al dente to prevent it from getting too soft once mixed with the cheese sauce.

The Cheese: Tini’s recipe calls for a mix of cheeses, but sharp cheddar is the star. It provides a bold, tangy bite while melting beautifully. Mozzarella adds that stretchy, gooey factor, and Parmesan gives it a savory depth. Feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Gouda for a richer flavor.

The Sauce Base: The secret to the ultra-creamy texture? A roux made with butter and flour, combined with whole milk and heavy cream. This mixture ensures a thick, silky sauce that coats every noodle to perfection.

Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, and a hint of paprika elevate the flavors. If you like a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.

How To Make Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese

Creating this dreamy mac and cheese is easier than you think. Follow these steps for the perfect consistency and flavor.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—keeping that starch helps the sauce cling better.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for about a minute, stirring continuously to eliminate any raw flour taste.

Slowly pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. This process takes about 3-4 minutes, so be patient—it’s worth it for that rich, luscious sauce.

Now comes the best part: adding the cheese! Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan one handful at a time. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Toss in the cooked pasta, making sure each piece is coated in that creamy goodness. Give it a final stir, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and get ready to dig in.

Storage Options

If you somehow end up with leftovers (unlikely!), here’s how to store your mac and cheese:

For short-term storage, place the mac and cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk before microwaving to restore the creamy texture.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of milk.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for smoked Gouda, Havarti, or Fontina for a unique flavor profile.
Protein Additions: Stir in crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or even lobster for a fancy twist.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne, or a swirl of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
Baked Version: Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for a crispy, golden crust.

Don’t be afraid to experiment—Tini’s viral mac and cheese is the perfect base for your own cheesy creations!

Whether you’re making this for a cozy night in or impressing guests with the creamiest mac and cheese ever, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it once, and you’ll see why TikTok (and now you) can’t get enough!