Looking for the ultimate creamy and cheesy mac and cheese recipe that will blow your taste buds away? Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe has taken social media by storm, and for good reason! This mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser, with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and just the right balance of flavors. With a blend of three cheeses, sour cream for extra creaminess, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, this dish will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or the main event, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit at any table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Cheese Galore

This recipe combines three delicious cheeses—sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan—creating a perfect creamy, melty texture.

2. Extra Creamy

The addition of sour cream gives the sauce an extra creamy texture, making each bite rich and satisfying.

3. Quick and Easy

In just about 30 minutes, you can make this mac and cheese from start to finish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for a special occasion.

4. Customizable

You can adjust the cheese blend or even add in extra seasonings to make the flavor your own.

5. Perfectly Crispy Topping

The optional breadcrumb topping gets crispy under the broiler, adding the perfect crunch to balance the creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni (2 cups)
Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons)
All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons)
Whole milk (2 cups)
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups)
Mozzarella cheese (2 cups)
Parmesan cheese (2 cups)
Sour cream (1/2 cup)
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Breadcrumbs (optional)

Variations

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or sausage.
Vegetable Add-ins: Try adding spinach, peas, or roasted tomatoes to boost the veggie factor.
Spicy Twist: Spice it up by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux.

Step 3: Add the Milk

Slowly add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses

Add the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Add the Sour Cream and Seasonings

Stir in the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 7: Optional Topping

If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skimp on the Cheese: Use full-fat cheese for the creamiest texture and the best flavor.
Smooth Sauce: Make sure to whisk the milk into the flour mixture slowly to avoid lumps.
Breadcrumb Topping: If you want a crispy topping, don’t skip the broiling step! Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Keep it Creamy: If the sauce gets too thick, add a bit more milk to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this mac and cheese as a side dish with your favorite protein, like roasted chicken or grilled steak, or enjoy it as a main dish with a simple green salad on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Reheating

To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk if the sauce needs to be loosened.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rigatoni, or shells.

2. Can I make this recipe without the sour cream?

Yes, but the sour cream adds extra creaminess. You can substitute it with more milk or a little cream cheese.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives you a smoother sauce.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and refrigerate it. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

5. How do I keep my mac and cheese from being too thick?

If your sauce is too thick, simply add more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap out the mozzarella or cheddar for other cheeses like gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

8. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, try adding spinach, peas, or even roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli.

9. How can I make this mac and cheese spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.

10. Can I use a different topping instead of breadcrumbs?

Yes! You can top it with crushed crackers, potato chips, or even more melted cheese for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you choose to add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or keep it simple, this mac and cheese is sure to impress everyone at your table. So grab your ingredients and start cooking—your taste buds will thank you!