The Recipe Bench

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 12

This is Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese – the TikTok sensation with over 90 MILLION views! Three cheeses, corkscrew pasta, and a secret layering technique create the creamiest, cheesiest, most epic mac and cheese ever. Since Tini will be giving birth to twins this Thanksgiving, I’m here to share the goodness on her behalf. This is the mac and cheese that broke the internet, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It went VIRAL for a reason. Over 90 million views on TikTok and counting. Tini’s mac and cheese is the most talked-about comfort food on the internet.

Three-cheese perfection. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar create the ultimate cheesy flavor symphony.

The layering technique. Tini’s secret is layering the cheese with the pasta for extra gooey bites and the ultimate cheese pull.

Super saucy and creamy. Made with evaporated milk and heavy cream for an ultra-rich, velvety sauce.

That golden broiled top. Crispy, bubbly, golden cheese crust on top with a custardy interior. Perfection.

Tips for Success

Freshly shred your own cheese. This is Tini’s #1 rule. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Fresh-shredded cheese makes all the difference.

Use a rotary cheese grater. It makes shredding 2+ pounds of cheese so much faster and easier.

Don’t skip the layering. Tini’s layering technique creates pockets of extra-gooey cheese throughout. It’s what makes this mac and cheese legendary.

Use cavatappi pasta. The corkscrew shape holds onto the sauce better than elbow macaroni. The ridges and spirals = maximum cheese coverage.

Get block mozzarella from the deli. It’s firmer, cheaper, and easier to shred than the soft packaged balls. Trader Joe’s sells 1-lb blocks.

You can reduce the mozzarella. Tini’s original recipe is VERY cheesy. You can cut the mozzarella down to 1/2 or 3/4 lb and it’ll still be incredible.

Watch the broiler. Broiling happens fast! Stay by the oven and watch closely to prevent burning.

Let it rest. Give it 5 minutes after baking so the sauce can set up slightly. It’ll be easier to scoop and serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this mac and cheese so popular? Tini shared this recipe just before Thanksgiving and it exploded on TikTok with over 90 million views! The combination of three cheeses, the layering technique, and that golden broiled top made it go viral.

Do I have to use fresh-shredded cheese? YES! Tini insists on this. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Fresh-shredded cheese is the secret to that ultra-creamy sauce.

Can I use elbow macaroni instead of cavatappi? You can, but cavatappi (corkscrew pasta) is better because the spirals and ridges hold more sauce. Any ridged pasta works great.

Can I use mustard powder instead of Dijon? Yes! Use 1 teaspoon of mustard powder instead of the tablespoon of Dijon.

Why do I layer the cheese? Tini’s layering technique creates pockets of melted cheese throughout the dish, giving you extra-gooey bites and the ultimate cheese pull. It’s what makes this recipe special!

Can I make this ahead for Thanksgiving? Absolutely! Assemble it 1-2 days ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready. See make-ahead instructions above.

Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese (90M+ Views on TikTok!)

This is TINI'S VIRAL MAC AND CHEESE with 90 MILLION views on TikTok! Three cheeses, corkscrew pasta, and a secret layering technique create the creamiest, cheesiest mac and cheese EVER. Since Tini's giving birth to twins this Thanksgiving, I'm sharing her legendary recipe! Perfect for Thanksgiving!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 12 people

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb mozzarella cheese block from the deli, freshly shredded
• 1 lb Colby Jack cheese freshly shredded
• 8 oz sharp yellow cheddar cheese freshly shredded
• 1 lb cavatappi corkscrew pasta
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons salted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Shred the cheese. Shred all three cheeses (mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar) into a large bowl. Toss together to combine, then divide the cheese mixture in half between two bowls. Set aside.
3. Cook the pasta. Cook the cavatappi pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix the seasonings. While the pasta cooks, combine the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
5. Make the roux. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add half of the seasoning mixture and stir. Add the flour and whisk immediately. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbling.
6. Add the liquids. Pour in the evaporated milk and whisk constantly. Once it begins to thicken and bubble in the center, add the heavy cream, the remaining half of the seasonings, and the Dijon mustard. Whisk until thickened.
7. Add the first batch of cheese. Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the skillet, a handful at a time, stirring until each handful is completely melted before adding the next. The sauce should be thick and creamy.
8. Combine pasta and sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is fully coated.
9. Layer like Tini. Transfer half of the mac and cheese mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining shredded cheese. Add the rest of the mac and cheese on top, then finish with the rest of the cheese.
10. Bake. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
11. Broil for the crust. Turn on the broiler and broil for 1-2 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
12. Garnish and serve. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Get ready for the ultimate cheese pull!

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 650 Protein: 28g Carbohydrates: 33g Fat: 45g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 3g

Made Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media.