Go Back
–+ servings
Tini's Mac and cheese being scooped out of casserole dish.

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 45 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting time 10 minutes
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!