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Viral Cheesy Mac Dish

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Boil pasta straight in milk until it's soft, stir in cheese and butter for a smooth, melty finish. It’s quick and hassle-free!
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Barbara Chef
Updated on Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:56:24 GMT
Delicious Viral TikTok Cheesy Mac Dish Highlight
Delicious Viral TikTok Cheesy Mac Dish | cookwithcarla.com
Been on TikTok lately? You've probably come across Tini's Famous Mac and Cheese. This super rich, gooey, and downright decadent dish has blown up online, and it makes perfect sense why. It's comfort food at its finest—quick to throw together, bursting with taste, and sure to hit the spot when you need a cheesy fix. For family gatherings or solo nights in, you really should give this one a try. We had this at our Sunday get-together and nobody could stop eating it. The sauce is absolutely mind-blowing! It's my go-to even on crazy busy nights. Takes no time, needs little effort, and everyone loves it. Sometimes I add a splash of buffalo sauce to spice things up. That's such a simple trick to change the flavor.

What Each Ingredient Does

* Elbow Macaroni (2 cups): This shape grabs onto sauce better than any other pasta type. * Unsalted Butter (4 tbsp): Gives the dish that extra richness and starts your sauce off right. * All-Purpose Flour (2 tbsp): Makes your sauce thick and clingy instead of watery. * Whole Milk (2 cups): Forms the creamy foundation of your cheese sauce. * Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups): Brings that classic punch of flavor everyone loves. * Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): Creates those amazing cheese pulls when you dig in. * Parmesan Cheese (2 cups): Adds that slightly nutty, salty kick to round everything out. * Sour Cream (½ cup): Makes everything extra smooth and adds a tiny bit of tang. * Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Gives a background hint of flavor without overpowering. * Salt and Pepper: Brings all the tastes together and makes everything pop. * Breadcrumbs (optional): For that amazing crunchy top layer.

Steps for Tini's Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese

Getting Your Pasta Ready Boil the elbow macaroni following box directions until it's still got a slight bite. Drain and put it aside. Whipping Up Your Cheese Sauce Take a big pot and melt your butter on medium. Stir in the flour and keep mixing for about 2 minutes until it looks slightly golden. Pour milk in slowly while whisking like crazy to keep lumps away. Let it bubble until it thickens up, roughly 3-4 minutes. Mixing In The Good Stuff Drop in all three cheeses and stir until everything's melted smooth. Mix in the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until it all comes together nicely. Tossing It All Together Dump your cooked pasta into the cheese mixture and fold it around until every single noodle is dripping with that amazing sauce. Adding That Extra Crunch If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and stick it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until it gets golden and crispy.
Creamy Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese Highlight
Creamy Tini's Viral Mac and Cheese | cookwithcarla.com
I always make twice as much of this mac and cheese for my weekly food prep. It warms up amazingly well, and honestly tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight!

Great Foods To Serve With It

You can enjoy this mac and cheese as your main meal or on the side. It goes great with some roasted chicken, a juicy steak, or a crisp green salad. For a cozy evening at home, try it with a glass of chilled white wine or your favorite beer.

Fun Ways To Change It Up

Heat Lovers: Throw in some hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or chopped jalapeños to fire it up. Meat Addition: Mix in some crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty twist. Healthier Version: Toss in some steamed broccoli, fresh peas, or wilted spinach to sneak in some veggies.

Keeping And Warming Leftovers

Pop any extras in a covered container in your fridge and eat within 3 days. When you want to warm it up, put it in a pot on low heat and add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just let it thaw in the fridge the night before you heat it up.
I keep coming back to Tini's Famous Mac and Cheese again and again. It's so velvety, packed with cheese, and just impossible to resist. Whether you're cooking for a bunch of friends or just treating yourself, this dish always hits the spot.
Delicious Tini's Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Highlight
Delicious Tini's Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese | cookwithcarla.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What’s the reason for cooking pasta in milk?
The pasta’s starch mixes with the milk, giving you a smooth creamy sauce without needing anything extra!
→ Is it okay to swap in other cheeses?
Totally fine! Use gouda, Gruyère, or another melty option. Just make sure the total amount stays about the same.
→ How do I fix a sauce that’s too thick?
Easy! Pour a bit of hot milk in and stir until it thins out to how you like it.
→ Can reheated leftovers still taste good?
Sure thing! Gently heat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
→ Can I make a bigger batch?
Of course! Just grab a bigger pot, keeping the same ingredient ratios. It could take a bit longer to finish cooking.

Cheesy Viral Mac Dish

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese made effortlessly in one pot. Minimal cleanup, done in no time!

Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
15 min

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
02 2 cups of whole milk (use heavy cream if you like it richer)
03 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
04 2 cups of elbow macaroni
05 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
06 Salt and pepper, however much you like
07 1 tablespoon of butter (unsalted)

→ Optional Add-ins

08 A handful of chopped parsley for topping
09 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
10 1/2 teaspoon of mustard powder

Steps

Step 01

Toss the macaroni and milk into a medium pan, set it on medium heat, and stir often to keep things moving. Let it simmer gently until the pasta softens and soaks up most of the milk, which takes around 8–10 minutes.

Step 02

Lower the heat to its lowest setting and stir in all the cheeses and butter. If you're adding garlic powder or mustard powder, do it now. Stir until everything blends together smoothly.

Step 03

Season it with salt and pepper the way you like it. Serve right away while the cheesy goodness is still warm. Fancy it up with parsley if you’d like!

Notes

  1. Cooking the macaroni in the milk releases starch, making the sauce extra creamy.
  2. Try different cheeses like gouda or Gruyère if you want a new twist.
  3. If it feels a bit thick, just pour in a splash of milk and stir till it’s smooth.

Required Equipment

  • Saucepan, medium size
  • A spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • A grater for the cheese

Allergen Information

Double-check every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy (butter, milk, and cheese)
  • Includes gluten (pasta)