I have to admit, the moment I tried Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese, I knew it was something special. This recipe blew up on social media for good reason — it combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a perfect texture that everyone craves. I was instantly hooked and knew I had to bring this recipe to my kitchen and share it with all of you. The best part? It’s incredibly easy and comes together faster than most traditional mac and cheese recipes.
You will love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting side dish for guests, this mac and cheese delivers on all fronts. It’s perfect for those who want a cozy meal without spending hours cooking or cleaning up. Plus, the ingredients are affordable and easy to find, making it accessible for any home cook.
Versatility is a huge plus here. You can customize the cheese blend to suit your taste or add extras like cooked vegetables or chicken ham to make it more substantial. It’s also a great base for experimenting with spices and textures. Whether served plain or dressed up, it never disappoints.
This recipe is budget-friendly as well. It uses simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank, like pasta, milk, and cheese. There’s no need for specialty ingredients, so it fits easily into your weekly grocery list.
Here are the main ingredients you will need to create this comforting dish:
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Elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta shape
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Butter
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All-purpose flour
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Milk (whole or 2% works best)
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Cheddar cheese (shredded)
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Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
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Cream cheese
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Salt and pepper for seasoning
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Garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Preparing Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is straightforward and satisfying. The process starts with cooking the pasta to a perfect al dente texture. This step ensures that the pasta holds up well when mixed with the creamy cheese sauce. Always salt your boiling water generously, as this infuses flavor right from the start.
Once the pasta is ready and drained, the magic happens with the sauce. Begin by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. It’s essential to keep an eye on the butter to prevent browning, which can affect the final taste. After the butter melts, whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. This mixture thickens the sauce, giving it that luscious consistency mac and cheese is famous for.
Next, slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Stir the mixture until it thickens and bubbles gently. This step usually takes about five minutes, so patience here rewards you with a creamy base. At this point, add the cream cheese and stir until it melts completely. The cream cheese enriches the sauce, lending it a silky texture and tangy depth.
Now it’s time to add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Using a combination of cheeses balances sharpness and creaminess perfectly. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you like. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce directly in the saucepan or a large mixing bowl. Make sure every piece of pasta is generously coated. This step is crucial for that comforting, gooey texture. For an extra touch, you can transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle some more cheese on top, and bake until bubbly and golden.
This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for busy nights. It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, yet the result tastes like it took hours. You can also customize it by adding cooked chicken ham for a smoky twist or tossing in some steamed broccoli to boost the nutrition.
Many people love this mac and cheese because it reminds them of homemade comfort food, but with a creamy richness that stands out. It’s perfect for kids and adults alike, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at family dinners or potlucks.
PrintTini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy dish that has gained massive popularity for its rich flavor and smooth texture. It combines a homemade cheese sauce with tender pasta, creating the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes without browning.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture until thickened and gently bubbling, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; adjust to taste.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
- Optionally, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
Use whole milk for creamier sauce.
Adjust cheese types for different flavors.
For a baked finish, add breadcrumbs on top before baking.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use shells, penne, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: What can I use instead of cream cheese?
A: You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or even a bit of heavy cream for richness, though cream cheese adds a nice tang and thickness.
Q: Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
A: Yes, use dairy-free butter, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly.
Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
A: You can prepare the mac and cheese sauce ahead and refrigerate it. When ready, combine with freshly cooked pasta and warm gently on the stove.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Q: Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
A: Yes, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Some texture changes may occur.