Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re the type Side Dish. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill mac and cheese—it’s a luxuriously creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece that social media can’t stop raving about. With a trio of melty cheeses, a luscious spice-kissed sauce, and those gorgeous cavatappi noodles, every bite feels like the ultimate comfort food hug. Whether you’re sharing it with family, showing it off at a party, or just treating yourself, this legendary baked dish is pure cheesy bliss.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the viral stardom fool you—Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese comes together with simple, classic ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the unique noodle shape to the three-cheese combo, every component is hand-picked to create maximum creaminess, oozy cheese pulls, and depth of flavor.

• Cavatappi pasta (1 pound): The spiral shape traps every drop of that rich sauce—elbow macaroni works too, but cavatappi is unbeatable for texture.
• Mozzarella cheese (1 pound, shredded): Lends that essential stretchy, gooey factor in every forkful—hand-shred for best melt.
• Colby Jack cheese (1 pound, shredded): Adds a balanced creaminess and a golden hue—its mellow flavor keeps things from getting too sharp.
• Sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces, shredded): Packs a punch of big, classic mac and cheese flavor—choose an aged variety if you love tang.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): The starting point for the roux, adding body and richness to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Whisked with butter to create a thickener, making that luscious sauce cling right to the noodles.
• Evaporated milk (12 ounces): Delivers extra creaminess and a subtle hint of sweetness—it’s the not-so-secret star for that viral texture.
• Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Brings the ultimate silkiness; it’s what sets this mac and cheese apart from any you’ve ever tried.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses savory depth without overpowering the cheeses—don’t skip it!
• Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds color and a whisper of smokiness, elevating the entire dish.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Because every great pasta dish needs seasoning—taste as you go!
• Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Provides subtle heat and rounds out the savory flavors.
• Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A dash of mustard gives surprisingly complex depth—substitute with mustard powder if you like.

How to Make Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab a 9×13‑inch baking dish and give it a generous greasing with butter or cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes clean-up much easier, so you can focus on the fun part—eating.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your cavatappi. Boil until just al dente—usually about 7 minutes—so the noodles still have a little bite. Remember, they’ll finish cooking while they bake, so you don’t want mushy pasta. Once they’re perfect, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Seasoned Roux

While the pasta cooks, melt your butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in half of the seasoning mix (garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper) and let those flavors bloom for a few seconds. Next, whisk in the flour. Stir until it forms a smooth, fragrant paste—this will thicken your cheese sauce and keep it satiny, not runny.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in the evaporated milk, whisking non-stop so no lumps form. Once the mixture comes to a gentle bubble, lower the heat and add the heavy cream, the rest of the seasonings, and that all-important Dijon mustard. Continue whisking while the sauce thickens—the aroma at this stage is mouthwatering!

Step 5: Melt the Cheeses

Now for the cheese magic: Add half of the shredded cheese mix and stir until completely melted and silky. This is your moment to marvel at how ridiculously creamy the base for Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese is about to become.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the drained cavatappi into your glorious cheese sauce. Toss gently until every curve and spiral is coated in that luscious, velvety mixture. You want a perfect union of noodle and cheese in every serving.

Step 7: Layer the Mac and Cheese

Spoon half of the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the reserved shredded cheese, then repeat with the rest of your pasta and cheese, creating layers of gooey goodness that melt together as they bake.

Step 8: Bake and Broil for Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, just until the cheese is thoroughly melted and bubbly all around the edges. For that golden-brown, photo-ready crust, switch to broil on low for 1–2 minutes—watching closely to avoid burning. Let your masterpiece rest for 10 minutes before serving, so the sauce settles into the perfect creamy consistency.

How to Serve Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of green contrast, or add extra cracked black pepper for a bit of bite. A sprinkle of smoked paprika on top also adds a pop of color and just the right hint of smokiness.

Side Dishes

Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese is a scene-stealer, but it plays beautifully with fresh salads, simple roasted veggies, or grilled chicken. For a comfort food extravaganza, pair it with braised greens or smoky barbecue for a plate bursting with flavor and texture variety.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it the star of your next gathering by portioning the mac and cheese into mini ramekins for individual servings. Or, pack it into a cast iron skillet for rustic flair and serve straight from the oven to the table. For a truly viral twist, set up a toppings bar with bacon, crispy onions, or hot sauce so everyone can make their own dreamy version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, so leftovers are a major treat. Be sure to let it cool fully before storing to avoid condensation making it soggy.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well! Cool the mac and cheese completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil. It can be frozen for up to two months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to keep moisture in until piping hot. Single servings can go in the microwave, just stir halfway through to distribute the melty goodness. If it seems a tad thick, a splash of milk or cream will revive it in no time.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding blocks?

While it’s tempting, freshly shredded cheese really is worth it! Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting, making Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese grainy instead of creamy.

What can I use if I don’t have cavatappi pasta?

Elbow macaroni is a classic substitute and works well, but any short, shaped pasta that catches sauce—like shells or rotini—will also deliver a satisfying texture and bite.

Is the Dijon mustard flavor strong?

Nope! The Dijon mustard adds subtle depth and brightness, but you won’t taste an overt mustard note. It’s the little secret that keeps everyone coming back for another forkful.

Can I assemble Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble everything up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes before baking, and be sure to add a little extra bake time if it’s going straight from the fridge to the oven.

How do I make this spicy or customize the flavor?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, stir in diced jalapeños, or shake some hot sauce on top before baking for more heat. Crumbled bacon, sautéed onions, or even a handful of spinach are also delicious ways to make it your own!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese took the internet by storm: it’s an unbelievably satisfying, ultra-creamy mac and cheese that hits every comfort food note. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a weeknight or want to wow at your next big event, give this recipe a go—your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you!

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