Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food that you can make right on your stovetop without draining water. This recipe combines three types of cheese and cooks the pasta gently in milk for extra richness and flavor.

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.
2. Step 2: Reduce heat to low. Stir in the butter, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Continue stirring until all the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
3. Step 3: Fold in the sour cream, if using, to add extra richness and creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mac and cheese and place under the broiler for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
5. Step 5: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use heavy cream instead of milk for an even richer and silkier sauce.
• Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
• For a spicier kick, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, then bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini works well. Just adjust cooking time as needed when simmering in milk.

Do I have to use all three cheeses?

No, you can simplify with just sharp cheddar for a classic flavor, but combining cheeses adds depth and creaminess to the dish.

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 91 reviews

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy stovetop mac and cheese recipe that uses milk to cook the pasta directly, creating a rich and velvety sauce. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this comfort food classic is elevated with optional garlic and mustard powders, sour cream for extra creaminess, and an optional breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish. Quick and easy to make, it’s perfect for a cozy meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

Optional Ingredients

• 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. Cook the Pasta: In a medium saucepan, combine the elbow macaroni and whole milk over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and most of the milk has been absorbed. Do not drain the pasta.
2. Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the butter, shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and mustard powder if using. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Add Sour Cream (Optional): Fold in the sour cream carefully to add extra richness and creaminess to the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate all flavors.
4. Optional Topping: If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese and place under the broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. Watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.

Notes

• Using whole milk creates a creamy texture, but heavy cream can be substituted for an even richer dish.
• Do not drain the pasta after cooking as the milk helps create a creamy sauce.
• Adjust seasoning carefully; cheeses provide saltiness, so salt sparingly.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds nice texture contrast.
• You can omit garlic and mustard powders if preferred, but they add depth of flavor.
• Sour cream is optional but enhances creaminess and tanginess.
• For a vegetarian version, ensure cheeses are suitable (rennet-free) and omit any non-vegetarian ingredients if adding extras.

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese, Tini’s TikTok mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, quick comfort food