Tini Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

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With over 50 million views on TikTok this Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe from creator Tini is a must try for the holidays.

Tini Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe (1)

This recipe was created by Tineke Younger and it went completely viral on social media.

If you need another great recipe for Thanksgiving try Tini's viral turkey recipe and for an appetizer try my deviled eggs.

Why you will love this recipe

This Mac and Cheese is cheesy! This recipe calls for 2.5 pounds of cheese which makes it extremely creamy and cheesy.

This Mac and Cheese uses blocks of cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese which creates a smoother sauce.

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In this recipe there are no eggs or breadcrumbs which I know a lot of Mac and cheese lovers do not like.

Tini's Mac and Cheese ingredients

In the viral video these are the ingredients used to make this cheesy holiday Mac and cheese.

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  • Cavatappi pasta: This pasta has spiral shape which makes it a perfect vehicle for creamy sauce as they cling to the crevices.
  • Colby Jack cheese: This cheese is creamy and tangy and great for melting.
  • Sharp Cheddar: Adds a ton of flavor to the cheese sauce and the beautiful yellow color to the sauce.
  • Mozzarella: Another great melty cheesy with a creamy texture and mild flavor to balance out the sharpness of the cheddar cheese.
  • Evaporated milk: Used to make a roux which is used to thicken up sauces.
  • Heavy whipping cream: Adds the velvety texture to the sauce and helps us melting the cheeses into a cohesive, smooth and clump-free sauce.
  • Butter: It is the base of the roux to make the sauce thick and creamy.
  • Flour: Helps with the sauce consistency. It is important to cook the flour long enough to get rid of its taste and grittiness.
  • Salt and pepper: To amp the flavor of the cheeses. Do not over salt the pasta water since the cheese contain a good amount of salt.
  • Smoked paprika: That is what the original creator used in her video and it gives a hint of smokiness to the pasta.
  • Garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering any of the other seasonings in the mix.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a little kick to the sauce and amps up the flavor because it complements the cheese very well.

Step by step instructions

These is a recap of the instructions to make the TikTok viral Mac and cheese with helpful step by step photos to make this recipe fail-proof.

How to shred cheese fast

Using pre-shredded cheese makes the sauce gritty since the packaged shredded cheese has anti-caking agents in it like wood pulp.

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Use a block of cheese and shred it yourself for best results.

If you want to shred cheese fast, use a food processor with the grating attachment.

Once all the cheese is shredded divided in half.

You will use half of the cheese for the sauce and the other half to layer when baking the dish.

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How to make a roux

In this Mac and cheese we are using a roux; a mixture of butter and flour to thicken up the sauce.

I used an enameled cast iron pot to make my roux because the surface heats evenly and it is less likely to create a clumpy sauce.

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I used a 5 QT dutch oven since it is big enough to hold the lb. of pasta and cheese sauce.

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Once the butter and flour are combined, add the evaporated milk to create a smooth sauce.

At this point it is helpful to use a whisk to mix the sauce and avoid any clumps.

How to build a cheese sauce

After the sauce starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low.

Add the cream and slowly start adding the cheese in small amounts.

Whisk until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the sauce before adding more cheese.

Slowly adding the cheese in small handfuls is the secret to silky smooth Mac and cheese sauce.

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If the cheese is not melting, increase the heat a little bit and keep stirring vigorously.

The sauce should take you about 15-20 minutes to make. This will ensure the flour taste is completely gone.

Season the sauce

The seasonings for this sauce are simple. Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper and dijon mustard.

I recommend adding them at the end because you can control the flavor and correct as needed.

If you add the seasonings at the beginning before you add all the cheese, you could end up with a salty sauce and waste all the ingredients and effort.

First add the salt and pepper. If you like paprika add the full amount called for in the recipe.

If you are not sure, add half of the paprika and taste the sauce and adjust the amount if needed.

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Cook the pasta al dente per package instructions

Depending on what type of pasta you use, you will need a different cooking time.

I boiled the Cavatappi for 7 minutes in salted water until al dente as per package instructions.

Cooking the pasta al dente (with a little bite) ensures that once baked the pasta won't be overcooked or mushy.

Drain the pasta and add it to the cheese sauce.

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Combine well until all the noodles are covered in the cheese sauce.

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How to Bake Mac and Cheese

Preheat the oven to 375F. Add one layer of the pasta on a 9x13 baking dish.

Add a layer of cheese and top it with another layer of pasta.

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Add a final layer of cheese on top making sure the noodles are covered as much as possible.

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Bake until all the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Finally, broil the Mac and cheese on low for 1 to 2 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set a bit.

When broiling keep a close eye on the Mac and cheese as it can burn really easily!

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Helpful tips and substitutions

Building the cheese sauce is the most important part of the recipe.

Take your time when adding the cheese and do not stop stirring. This is a pretty hands on recipe.

You could use any combination of cheeses that you like. Gouda, Gruyere and Monterrey cheese would be fabulous in this Mac and cheese.

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If you don't have dijon mustard, you can use powder mustard (about ½ teaspoon).

Bring your ingredients to room temperature, in particular the heavy whipping cream. If it's too cold when you add it to the sauce it could curdle.

Use the suggested pasta shape (Cavatappi) or elbow macaroni. In any case, cook per packaging instructions.

If you find your sauce too thick after adding the pasta, add ¼ cup of room temperature milk to thin it out a little.

If you make this recipe leave a review below and let me know how it turned out!

Tini Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe (18)

Tini Mac and Cheese

Isabel

With over 50 million views on TikTok this Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe from creator Tini is a must try for the holidays.

5 from 42 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Resting time 10 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 1 Lb Cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 1 Lb Mozzarella 16 OZ (shredded)
  • 1 Lb Colby Jack 16 OZ (shredded)
  • ½ Lb Sharp cheddar 8 OZ (shredded)
  • 12 Ounces Evaporated milk 1 Can
  • 2 Cups Heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons All purpose flour

Instructions

  • Cook pasta in salted water per package instructions. I cooked my Cavatappi for 7 minutes. Drain and reserve.

  • In a heavy bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

  • Add the flour and whisk until fully incorporated and you form a paste.

  • Add the evaporated milk and continue whisking until the sauce starts bubbling.

  • Lower the heat to medium-low heat and slowly add the heavy whipping cream.

  • In a bowl combine all the shredded cheese and divide the mixture in half. You will use half for the cheese sauce and half to layer on top when baking the Mac and cheese.

  • Add a handful of the cheese to the sauce and whisk vigorously until fully incorporated. Do not add more cheese until the sauce is smooth and all the previous cheese you added has melted.

  • The sauce should take about 20 minutes to make. This will ensure that the flour is cooked and the cheese melts smoothly.

  • Place the oven rack in the center and pre heat your oven to 375F.

  • Once you have added all the cheese to the sauce, add the seasonings; salt, garlic, pepper, paprika and dijon mustard.

  • Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and combine until all the noodles are coated in the sauce.

  • Use a 9x13 baking dish and add a layer of the pasta. Top with half the reserved cheese.

  • Add another layer of pasta and top with the other half of the reserved cheese.

  • Bake at 375F for about 20 minutes until all the cheese on top has melted and is slightly browned.

  • If you want a golden brown top, broil on low for about 1 to 2 minutes. Keep and eye on the Mac and cheese as broiling can quickly burn the top.

  • Let the Mac and cheese rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

Keyword Baked mac and cheese, Cavatappi mac and cheese, Eggless mac and cheese, TikTok mac and cheese, Tineke Younger, Tini Mac and cheese, Tini's Mac and Cheese, Today show mac and cheese, Viral mac and cheese

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tini Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Who is Tini mac and cheese? ›

Tineke “Tini” Younger's mac and cheese was a viral hit this holiday season. Her TikTok tutorial has nearly 90 million views and over 10 million likes, with commenters calling it “immaculate,” “the best mac and cheese,” and plenty of fire emojis.

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

How to make Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

Does Tini have a cookbook? ›

Cooking for the cookout today - COOKBOOK IS OUT NOW IN MY BIO (started raining thats why we were inside)

Who is the guy who only eats Velveeta mac and cheese? ›

Austin Davis, a man from Florida has explained why his diet consists of only macaroni and cheese, a dish that he has had for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the last 17 years. The 20-year-old claimed that the meal is his favourite, as it is the most "consistent" and "always tastes pretty much the same".

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

What is the most flavorful cheese for mac and cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

How do you make mac and cheese creamy again? ›

The #1 secret to creamy reheated mac and cheese

"Stir in about 2 Tbs. of milk per 1 cup of mac and cheese and reheat," he says. The milk loosens up the pasta and helps create the creamy sauce as it's reheating. Heavy cream works well in this case too and adds an extra touch of richness to the mac and cheese.

Why do you add flour to homemade mac and cheese? ›

Both the flour and the cheese help thicken the sauce.

Who is the owner of Annie's mac and cheese? ›

Annie's Homegrown (or simply Annie's) is an American organic food company owned by General Mills. The company was founded in Hampton, Connecticut by Annie Withey and Andrew Martin, who had previously founded Smartfood popcorn along with Ken Meyers.

Who is the founder of Annie's mac and cheese? ›

Annie Withey believed that it is possible to build a socially conscious and successful business. This was her goal when she started making delicious Mac & Cheese and selling it from her car trunk when she co-founded the company back in 1989.

What does cheese stand for in mac and cheese friends? ›

CHEESE stands for Computerised Humanoid Electronically Enhanced Secret Enforcer which would be Joey's - Mac Machiavelli's - robot partner.

How do you reheat Tini mac and cheese? ›

To do so, place a portion of mac and cheese in a saucepan or skillet, then pour over a bit of the milk you used to make it, using 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of pasta. Using low to medium heat, reheat the pasta slowly, stirring to incorporate the milk and adding more as necessary if the mac and cheese seems dry.

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