There's nothing quite like a rich, creamy bowl of mac and cheese to satisfy a comfort food craving. But when Tini’s viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe took the internet by storm, it changed the game forever. This ultra-indulgent dish combines the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a silky smooth texture that's pure heaven in every bite.
I first stumbled upon Tini’s recipe while scrolling late at night, mesmerized by the way the cheese melted seamlessly into the sauce. One bite and I understood the hype—this was mac and cheese on a whole new level. Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or a big family gathering, this recipe is about to become your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Mac and Cheese
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite mac and cheese recipe. Tini’s version is not just delicious—it’s downright addictive.
First, this recipe is incredibly creamy and smooth. The blend of cheeses and the cooking technique ensure that every bite is as velvety as the last. No clumps, no grainy texture—just pure, silky perfection.
It’s also super easy to make. Forget fancy techniques or complicated steps. With just a few simple ingredients and a foolproof method, you’ll have the best mac and cheese of your life in no time.
Best of all, this dish is highly customizable. Whether you prefer sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or a touch of spice, you can tweak this recipe to match your taste buds perfectly.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Tini’s viral mac and cheese comes from its carefully chosen ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the ultimate comfort dish.
Elbow macaroni is the pasta of choice here, and for good reason. Its small, curved shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. However, you can swap in cavatappi or shells if you prefer a little more texture.
Heavy cream and whole milk create the luxuriously rich base for the cheese sauce. The combination adds depth and silkiness, making the dish irresistibly creamy. If you're looking for a slightly lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the richness might take a small hit.
A mix of cheeses is the secret to the perfect sauce. Tini’s version often includes sharp cheddar for tang, Monterey Jack for creaminess, and a bit of Velveeta for that ultra-smooth texture. The key is freshly grating your cheeses—pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Butter and flour come together to create a simple roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and ensures it stays smooth and luscious without breaking or separating.
A touch of seasoning—like salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika—adds just the right amount of depth without overpowering the cheese.
How To Make Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure to toss it with a little butter to prevent sticking.
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about a minute until it turns slightly golden—this step eliminates the raw flour taste while helping to thicken the sauce.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. As the mixture heats, it will begin to thicken into a luscious base.
Once the sauce is warm, start adding the cheeses, one handful at a time, stirring until each batch is fully melted before adding more. This slow process ensures an ultra-smooth, creamy consistency.
Finally, combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta, stirring until every piece is coated in that rich, cheesy goodness. If desired, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes for a golden, bubbly finish.
Total prep and cook time is about 25 minutes, making this a quick yet indulgent meal that feels like a special treat.
Storage Options
If you somehow have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), store them properly to maintain freshness.
Refrigerate mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To prevent it from drying out, add a splash of milk when reheating.
For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding milk or cream to bring back the silky texture. Avoid microwaving in large portions, as it can dry out the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
This mac and cheese is already near perfection, but you can easily tweak it to match your personal taste.
For a spicy kick, stir in some diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
To make it extra meaty, add crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned ground beef.
Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted red peppers, or even caramelized onions for an extra layer of flavor.
If you prefer a crispier topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before broiling for a few minutes.
Experiment with different cheeses to change up the flavor. Smoked gouda, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese can add a gourmet touch to this comforting dish.
However you customize it, this mac and cheese is bound to become your new obsession. Once you try Tini’s viral version, you'll never go back to the boxed stuff again!
PrintTini’s Viral Tiktok Mac And Cheese Recipe
Tini’s viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Made with creamy cheese, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded cheeses gradually, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, ensuring it's well coated in the cheese sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best creamy texture!
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For extra richness, add a dash of hot sauce or mustard powder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
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