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Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 65 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Tini Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and decadent baked macaroni and cheese recipe that combines a trio of cheeses with evaporated milk and heavy cream for a perfectly smooth cheese sauce. Pasta is cooked al dente, coated in a luscious homemade cheese sauce, layered with extra cheese, and baked to golden perfection. This iconic viral recipe delivers a comforting and satisfying dish ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 Lb Cavatappi pasta (or elbow macaroni)

Cheese

  • 1 Lb Mozzarella (16 OZ shredded)
  • 1 Lb Colby Jack (16 OZ shredded)
  • 1/2 Lb Sharp cheddar (8 OZ shredded)

Milk & Cream

  • 12 Ounces Evaporated milk (1 Can)
  • 2 Cups Heavy whipping cream

Seasonings & Condiments

  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon White pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard

Thickening & Fat

  • 3 Tablespoons Unsalted butter
  • 3 Tablespoons All purpose flour

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions for about 7 minutes until al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving some pasta water if needed later.
  2. Make the roux: In a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until fully incorporated into a smooth paste, about 1-2 minutes, to cook out the raw flour taste.
  3. Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the evaporated milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to bubble gently. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add the heavy whipping cream, stirring continuously to maintain a smooth consistency.
  4. Prepare cheese mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar cheeses. Divide the cheese into two equal halves—one half to melt into the sauce, the other half reserved for layering on top before baking.
  5. Incorporate cheese into sauce: Add a handful of cheese from the reserved half into the sauce and whisk vigorously until fully melted and smooth. Repeat this process gradually, adding cheese only after the previous addition is melted and the sauce is smooth. This slow incorporation takes about 20 minutes to ensure a creamy, lump-free cheese sauce and fully cooked roux.
  6. Season the sauce: Once all the cheese is melted in the sauce, stir in salt, garlic powder, white pepper, smoked paprika, and Dijon mustard to enhance flavor and depth.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy sauce.
  8. Layer in baking dish: Preheat oven to 375°F and position the oven rack in the center. Using a 9×13 baking dish, spread half of the cheesy pasta mixture evenly. Sprinkle half of the reserved shredded cheese on top. Add the remaining pasta mixture as a second layer, then top with the remaining shredded cheese.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned.
  10. Optional broil for crust: For a golden brown and slightly crispy top, broil on low for 1 to 2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  11. Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

  • This viral Mac and Cheese recipe by creator Tini has over 100 million views on TikTok, making it a popular and must-try comfort food classic for holidays and family meals.
  • Using a mix of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar creates a perfectly balanced melt and flavor.
  • Slowly melting the cheese into the sauce over about 20 minutes ensures no lumps and a silky cheese sauce.
  • Broiling briefly at the end is optional but recommended for a nicely browned cheesy crust.
  • Use a heavy-bottomed pan for the roux and sauce to avoid scorching.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Find it online: https://emilyscook.com/viral-mac-and-cheese-recipe/