Experience the TikTok sensation that is Tini’s Mac and Cheese Recipe, a dish that’s taken the internet by storm! This mac and cheese is a flavor-packed creation, featuring a mix of three delicious cheeses, a blend of savory spices, and perfectly twisted corkscrew pasta that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
If you love rich and creamy dishes, try my Cheesy Rice Recipe for another indulgent comfort food favorite!
With three types of cheese, flavorful spices, pasta, and a special layering method, Tini’s Mac and Cheese is truly the BEST EVER!
Table of Contents
What Is Tini’s Mac and Cheese?
It might just be the BEST Mac and Cheese you’ve ever had! Tini, a Social Media Chef with over 6 million followers, created this recipe, which quickly went viral with over 90 million views (and counting). She shared it just before Thanksgiving, and it instantly became a hit!
This mac and cheese is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly carb-loaded. It’s ideal for game days, BBQs, and potlucks, but simple enough to make for an easy, delicious dinner too!
If you’re a pasta lover, you’ll also enjoy my Marry Me Pasta Recipe—a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s just as irresistible!
What You Need
Cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta: This spiral-shaped pasta holds the cheesy sauce perfectly, creating the ideal bite with every scoop.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds a smooth, melty texture to the sauce, giving it that creamy pull.
Colby Jack cheese: Known for its mild, slightly tangy flavor, Colby Jack helps balance the richness of the dish.
Sharp cheddar (yellow preferred): The sharpness of cheddar gives the mac and cheese its bold, tangy flavor, with the yellow color adding that classic look.
Garlic powder: A subtle yet essential flavor that enhances the overall savory depth of the dish.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor, giving the mac and cheese a unique twist.
Coarse salt: Used to enhance all the flavors and help bring out the best in each ingredient.
Ground black pepper: Offers a mild heat and depth of flavor that complements the creaminess of the cheese.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce base.
All-purpose flour: Works as a thickening agent to turn the liquid into a velvety cheese sauce.
Evaporated milk: Provides a creamier texture than regular milk, contributing to the richness of the sauce.
Heavy cream: Gives the mac and cheese its luxurious, indulgent creaminess, making it extra rich.
Dijon mustard (or mustard powder): A dash of mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery taste to finish off the dish.
Rosie’s Tip: Avoid pre-shredded cheese! It contains anti-caking agents that make it harder to melt. Always grate your own cheese for the best results!
For more expert cheese-melting tips, check out this guide on how to melt cheese properly from Serious Eats!
How To Make Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese
A full recipe card with step-by-step photos and ingredient quantities can be found at the end of the post.
- Grate the cheese: Grate all your cheeses and divide them between two bowls for easy access.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions for al dente. Cooking times may vary depending on the brand of pasta.
- Prepare the roux: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a pan and add half of the seasonings. Stir in the flour and cook until the mixture becomes bubbly.
- Make the cheese sauce: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and mustard, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cheese: Add the cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each batch melts before adding the next.
- Toss in the pasta: Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Layer and bake: Transfer the pasta into a baking pan, layering it with the remaining shredded cheese. Bake as directed.
- Broil and serve: Broil the dish for a couple of minutes to get a crispy top, then remove from the oven and enjoy!
If you love baked cheesy dishes, don’t miss my Spaghetti Casserole Recipe—it’s another crowd-pleaser!
Rosie’s tips
- Please don’t skip the freshly shredded cheese; it truly makes all the difference! Did you know that packaged shredded cheese has a coating to preserve it, but that makes it harder to melt? This is why shredding your own cheese is always the best option, and a good grater makes it super easy!
- Any pasta will work, but we recommend using one with texture and ridges, as it helps the sauce cling better. This is our favorite pasta for mac and cheese!
- Always get a block of cheese from the deli. It’s usually harder, more affordable, and easier to shred than the pre-shredded, softer packaged balls. For example, Trader Joe’s sells a 1-pound block of mozzarella that works perfectly.
- This recipe uses A LOT of cheese, but if you’re looking to tone it down a bit, I’d suggest cutting the mozzarella down to 1/2 or 3/4 of a pound—you’ll still get plenty of cheese without going overboard.
- Layering the cheese with the pasta, as Tini does, gives you bites that are extra gooey and make for the ultimate cheese-pull. And let’s be honest, there’s nothing more satisfying than that!
Make-Ahead Mac and Cheese Instructions
If you want to prep this mac and cheese ahead of time, it’s super easy! Just follow the recipe up until it’s ready to bake, then cover the dish with aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
When you’re ready to bake, tent the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheesy top, and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 25 minutes, or until it’s fully heated through. Finish with a quick broil for a crispy, golden top!
Freezing Tini’s Mac and Cheese
You can also freeze it! Just follow the same steps as the make-ahead instructions, but be ready to add 30 to 35 extra minutes to the baking time while it’s still covered in foil.
Frozen pasta dishes, especially with all that cheese and sauce, take longer to reheat than you might think, so be sure to plan accordingly!
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheeses does Tini use in her mac and cheese?
Tini uses a combination of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses in her mac and cheese. These three create a creamy, flavorful, and perfectly melty dish.
What is the secret to a good mac and cheese?
The secret to a great mac and cheese is a balance of creamy, smooth cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Using freshly shredded cheese and a blend of cheeses, along with a solid roux (flour and butter base), ensures the sauce is velvety and doesn’t separate. Layering cheese in the baking process adds extra gooeyness!
What cheese not to put in mac and cheese?
Avoid using cheeses that don’t melt well, like feta, goat cheese, or brie, as they can result in a grainy texture or lack of creaminess. Stick to cheeses that melt smoothly, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère.
How to make mac and cheese a little better?
To take your mac and cheese to the next level, consider adding a touch of Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of smoked paprika, or crispy bacon for extra flavor. You can also use a mix of cheeses to deepen the flavor, or stir in some sautéed garlic or onions for a savory twist!
If you love cheese-loaded recipes, don’t miss my Chipotle Queso Recipe—it’s smoky, creamy, and addictive!
Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cheese grater rotary preferred
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound Colby Jack cheese
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. The warmth is about to fill your kitchen with comfort and cozy vibes!
- Shred 1 pound of mozzarella cheese, 1 pound of Colby Jack cheese, and 8 ounces of sharp cheddar into a large mixing bowl. Toss it all together and then set aside half of that glorious cheese blend in a separate bowl. Trust me, this is going to be so cheesy and delicious!
- Cook 1 pound of cavatappi pasta in salted water, following the package directions for al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. The pasta’s just waiting to be coated in all that creamy cheese sauce!
- While the pasta cooks, mix together 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of coarse salt, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper in a small bowl. Set it aside—you’re building the flavor!
- Melt 3 tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet, then add half of the seasoning mix. Stir it in and let those amazing aromas start to fill the air.
- Add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the skillet and immediately whisk it in. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, letting the butter and flour bubble together. It’s all coming together now!
- Pour in 1 (12 oz.) can of evaporated milk and whisk constantly. Once it starts to thicken and bubble in the center, add 2 cups of heavy cream, the rest of the seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Keep whisking until it all thickens up beautifully.
- Slowly add half of that shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring after each addition until it’s completely melted and thickened. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and oh-so-cheesy!
- Transfer half of the pasta to a 9×13-inch baking pan, then sprinkle a third of the remaining cheese over the top. Layer the rest of the mac and cheese on top and finish with the rest of the cheese. It’s going to be so cheesy, you’ll hardly believe it!
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get that gorgeous, bubbly, golden-brown top. It’s the perfect finish to this cheesy masterpiece!
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, then broil for 1 to 2 minutes to get that gorgeous, bubbly, golden-brown top. It’s the perfect finish to this cheesy masterpiece!
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for that little pop of color and freshness. Now, dig in and enjoy all the creamy, cheesy goodness!
