Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a viral sensation that has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. Crafted by TikTok chef Tineke “Tini” Younger, this dish boasts a rich, creamy texture achieved through a blend of three cheeses, a spice-infused roux, and cavatappi pasta. Its popularity skyrocketed after Tini’s Tiktok video garnered over 126 million views, making it a must-try comfort food.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Texture: Utilizing a blend of three cheeses and a spice-infused roux, this mac and cheese delivers an exceptionally creamy and cheesy experience. bhg.com+1recipesbyclare.com+1

• Viral Sensation: Gained immense popularity on TikTok with over 126 million views, making it a must-try for comfort food enthusiasts. bhg.com+1blissflavor.com+1

• Perfect for Gatherings: Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where comfort food is desired.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Cheese:

• 1 lb (450g) cavatappi pasta

• 16 Ounce (450g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 16 Ounce (450g) Colby Jack cheese, shredded

• 8 Ounce (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Seasoned Roux:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepperhumix.com+1flavournetwork.ca+1flavournetwork.ca

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 (12 Ounce) can evaporated milk

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustardsugarandsoul.co+1lolajayyum.com+1

👩‍🍳 How To Make It

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish and set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Seasoned Roux

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly add the evaporated milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and add the Dijon mustard. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.

5. Incorporate the Cheese

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add half of the shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.

7. Assemble the Dish

Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining shredded cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese.

8. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Broil for a Golden Finish

For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

10. Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Daily Dish delight

Tini's Mac and Cheese

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is the ultimate creamy, cheesy comfort food made with simple ingredients and baked to golden perfection. Try this crowd-favorite recipe today!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

For the Pasta & Cheese

• 1 (450g) cavatappi pasta
• 16 Ounce (450g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 16 Ounce (450g) Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 Ounce (225g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For the Seasoned Roux

• 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• ½ tablespoon salt
• ½ tablespoon black pepper

For the Creamy Sauce

• 1 (12 Ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Method

 

1. Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta

   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Seasoned Roux

   In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce

   Slowly add the evaporated milk to the roux, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Gradually pour in the heavy cream and add the Dijon mustard. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
5. Incorporate the Cheese

   Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add half of the shredded mozzarella, Colby Jack, and cheddar cheeses to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated.
7. Assemble the Dish

   Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with a third of the remaining shredded cheeses. Repeat with the remaining pasta and top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake

   Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Broil for a Golden Finish

   For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
10. Serve

    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

1. Calories 450–650 kcal Total Fat 24–70 g Saturated Fat 10–33 g Carbohydrates 35–55 g Fiber 1–2 g Sugars 2–6 g Protein 15–44 g Sodium 450–1240 mg Cholesterol 45–164 mg Calcium 150–745 mg