Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
