Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food made right on the stovetop with no draining required. This recipe combines multiple cheeses and a few simple ingredients for a rich, satisfying dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the elbow macaroni and whole milk over medium heat. Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the milk is absorbed. Do not drain the liquid.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
3. Step 3: Fold in the sour cream if you are using it, to add extra richness and creaminess. Season the macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese and place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Step 5: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use heavy cream instead of whole milk for an even creamier texture.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to add a subtle smoky heat.
• Try different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a gourmet twist.
• Prepare without the breadcrumbs for a softer, creamy bake perfect for a quick meal.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Breadcrumb topping is best added fresh when reheating to keep it crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

Yes, any small pasta shape like shells, rotini, or penne works well in this recipe. Just ensure pasta cooks fully with the milk.

Is it necessary to broil the breadcrumbs on top?

No, the breadcrumb topping is optional. It adds a nice crunch but the mac and cheese is delicious creamy and cheesy on its own.

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 127 reviews

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that simmers elbow macaroni directly in milk to create a rich, velvety sauce. Enhanced with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this recipe offers optional additions like sour cream for extra creaminess and a crispy breadcrumb topping for texture. Perfect for a comforting meal with simple ingredients and easy steps.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Pasta and Dairy

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

Seasonings and Toppings

• ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
• ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of elbow macaroni and 2 cups of whole milk over medium heat. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is tender and most of the milk is absorbed. Do not drain the pasta; the milk will form the base of your sauce.
2. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon mustard powder if using. Continue stirring until all the cheeses melt smoothly and create a creamy sauce.
3. Add Sour Cream (Optional): Fold in ½ cup of sour cream for extra creaminess and richness. Finally, season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to your taste, blending everything evenly.
4. Optional Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the surface of the mac and cheese. Place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting meal.

Notes

• Using whole milk yields a creamy texture, but substituting heavy cream will make the dish richer.
• Do not drain the pasta after cooking as the milk becomes the sauce base.
• Adjust cheese types and amounts according to preference for different flavor profiles.
• Sour cream is optional but enhances creaminess significantly.
• Breadcrumb topping adds crunch but can be skipped for a softer dish.
• Watch the broiler closely to prevent breadcrumbs from burning.

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, Tini’s TikTok mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheddar mac and cheese, comfort food