Lola Jay Yum!

menu icon
go to homepage
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ALL RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE

subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • ALL RECIPES
  • SUBSCRIBE

×
Home » Recipes » American

Tini's Mac & Cheese: The Viral Tiktok Recipe

Updated: May 16, 2025 Published: Dec 6, 2024 by Lola Jay This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

↓ Jump to Recipe
↓ Jump to Video

If you've been on TikTok lately, you've probably seen the buzz about Tini's Mac and Cheese. This recipe has gone viral for good reason—it's packed with layers of flavor, a creamy cheese sauce, and that perfect golden brown finish. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, this dish will elevate your dinner game to next-level chef status!

Tini's mac and cheese
Jump to:
  • What Makes it Different?
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Tini's Mac & Cheese Video
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • Instructions
  • Pro Tips for the Best Results
  • FAQ
  • ⭐️ Recipe

What Makes it Different?

This isn’t your typical mac and cheese! And I love Mac & Cheese! My Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is similar but smokier due to the smoked Gouda. This version uses cavatappi pasta which allows the cheese to get inside and creates a bite of cheesy goodness. With sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, and mozzarella cheese, it achieves a velvety texture and rich flavor that cheese lovers dream of. Using evaporated milk, heavy whipping cream, and a touch of Dijon mustard, the sauce is silky smooth and irresistible.


Why We Love This Recipe

Tini's mac and cheese is more than just a recipe—it's a comfort food experience! Here’s why we adore it:

Incredible Creaminess: The combination of heavy cream, evaporated milk, and three kinds of cheeses creates a luxuriously creamy texture that’s hard to resist.

Perfect Flavor Balance: From the hint of garlic powder to the smoky kick of paprika, every bite is packed with bold flavor.

Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults rave about this dish, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, and even holidays.

Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in under an hour, with simple steps that even beginners can follow.

Customizable: Add toppings like crispy bacon, bread crumbs, to make it your own. You can even serve it with a nice Butter Lettuce Salad to make yourself feel better 🙂

If you want something similar but with a twist, you can try my Cheesy Potato and Beef Casserole Recipe!


Tini's Mac & Cheese Video

If  you enjoyed this video for Tini's Mac & Cheese , please subscribe to my Youtube Channel. Click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when I post a new video.


Ingredients

Full ingredients, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post

Colby Jack Cheese: This mild, creamy cheese melts beautifully and creates that signature gooey, stretchy texture. It adds richness without overpowering the other flavors.

Mozzarella Cheese: Known for its incredible meltability, mozzarella brings that classic cheese pull and a mild, milky flavor that balances the sharper cheeses in the mix.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, tangy depth to the sauce. The sharpness cuts through the creaminess and gives the mac and cheese its distinct cheesy bite.

Cavatappi: These twisty, tubular pasta shapes hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully. Cavatappi adds a little extra texture, but elbow macaroni is a classic and equally comforting.

Evaporated Milk: Thicker and more concentrated than regular milk, it adds creaminess without watering down the cheese flavor.

Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, velvety base for the cheese sauce. It’s what makes this mac and cheese ultra-indulgent.


Shredded cheese on a cutting board.

Substitutions & Variations

Cavatappi or Elbow Macaroni: Any short, sturdy pasta shape works here. Try rotini, shells, or penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just avoid thin or delicate shapes—they won’t hold the sauce as well.

Colby Jack Cheese: If you don’t have Colby Jack, you can substitute with Monterey Jack for a similarly creamy melt or even mild cheddar for a bit more bite. For a slightly more elevated flavor, try fontina or gouda.

Mozzarella Cheese: Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella both work well. If you want more stretch and a bit of saltiness, low-moisture mozzarella is a great option. Avoid fresh mozzarella—it adds too much moisture and doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: You can use mild or medium cheddar if you prefer a more mellow flavor. White cheddar or aged cheddar can also be used for a sharper, nuttier taste.


Instructions

Full ingredients, instructions, and photos in the recipe card at the end of this post

Boiling cavatappi pasta in a pot with a wooden spoon stirring, on a wooden table.

Step 1: Boil salted water and cook pasta 2 minutes less than al dente. Drain and set aside.

Hands adding shredded cheese to a glass bowl on a wooden countertop.

Step 2: Grate all cheeses and let them come to room temperature for better melting.

Whisking a smooth pumpkin mixture in a pan on a wooden countertop, perfect for a cozy autumn recipe.

Step 3: Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and half the seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and golden.

Person adding spice to creamy sauce in a pan in kitchen with sunlight from window.

Step 4: Whisk in evaporated milk until smooth. Slowly add heavy cream and cook until thickened. Stir in Dijon mustard and remaining seasoning.

Pan of creamy cheese sauce topped with shredded cheddar and mozzarella on a wooden table.

Step 5: Turn off the heat. Stir in shredded cheeses a little at a time, saving half for topping. Mix until creamy.

Cheesy baked mac and cheese being prepared in a white casserole dish on a wooden table.

Step 6: Combine pasta with sauce. Layer half in a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese, then repeat. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes. Broil 2–3 minutes for a golden top.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Shred Your Own Cheese: Using a cheese grater ensures the cheese melts evenly, unlike pre-shredded varieties.

Customize Your Seasonings: Adjust the spices to your taste for the perfect balance.

Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While cavatappi pasta works wonders, you can also use elbow macaroni or other shapes like shells.


FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mac and cheese, store it in the fridge (before baking), and bake it just before serving. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that can result in clumping.

What can I do with leftovers?

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture.

Can I freeze Tini's Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Thank you message with Instagram handle for recipe feedback and ratings, featuring five-star icons.

⭐️ Recipe

Cheesy macaroni and cheese on a spoon, showcasing melted cheese and creamy texture. Perfect comfort food close-up.

Tini's Mac & Cheese

Lola Jay
If you've been on TikTok lately, you've probably seen the buzz about Tini's Mac and Cheese. This recipe has gone viral for good reason—it's packed with layers of flavor, a creamy cheese sauce, and that perfect golden brown finish. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or a main course, this dish will elevate your dinner game to next-level chef status! I first came across it last year and saved the recipe to try this year and man was it delicious!
4.50 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 643 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 pound Colby Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 pound mozarella cheese shredded
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar shredded
  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt or chicken bouillon
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
  • 1 12 oz. can evaporated milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the corkscrew pasta (or your preferred pasta shape) two minutes short of al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    Boiling cavatappi pasta in a pot with a wooden spoon stirring, on a wooden table.

Make the Roux

  • In a medium pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Add in half of the seasonings. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring constantly, until golden and bubbly. Make sure not to burn your roux. If it is not smooth you can add a little more butter.
    Whisking a smooth pumpkin mixture in a pan on a wooden countertop, perfect for a cozy autumn recipe.

Grate Your Cheese

  • Grate your cheeses and set aside to come to room temperature. This helps the sauce not separate.
    Hands adding shredded cheese to a glass bowl on a wooden countertop.

Create the Cheese Sauce

  • Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk making sure to mix until there are no lumps. Slowly add in the room temperature heavy cream, cooking over medium heat until the sauce thickens. Add Dijon mustard and the other half of your seasonings.
    Person adding spice to creamy sauce in a pan in kitchen with sunlight from window.

Stir in the Cheese

  • Lower the heat to low and slowly add the shredded cheeses (Colby Jack, mozzarella, and sharp cheddar). Make sure to mix well in between, allowing the cheese to melt before adding in more. Save half the cheese for the layer of cheese topping. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
    Pan of creamy cheese sauce topped with shredded cheddar and mozzarella on a wooden table.

Combine and Bake

  • Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
    Person stirring creamy homemade mac and cheese in a pot on a wooden table.
  • Pour half of the pasta cheese mixture into a safe casserole dish, and top with half the reserved cheese.
    Cheesy baked mac and cheese being prepared in a white casserole dish on a wooden table.
  • Repeat with the rest and bake in the oven at 375F for 25 minutes.
    Creamy macaroni and cheese topped with shredded cheddar in a white baking dish on a wooden table.
  • I then broiled mine for 3 minutes or until slightly golden and bubbly.
    Cheesy baked macaroni and cheese in a white casserole dish, fresh from the oven and golden brown.

Video

Notes

These are estimates only.
Nutrition Facts
Tini's Mac & Cheese
Serving Size
 
1 cup
Amount per Serving
Calories
643
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
44
g
68
%
Saturated Fat
 
27
g
169
%
Trans Fat
 
0.1
g
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
11
g
Cholesterol
 
129
mg
43
%
Sodium
 
482
mg
21
%
Potassium
 
237
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
39
g
13
%
Fiber
 
2
g
8
%
Sugar
 
3
g
3
%
Protein
 
24
g
48
%
Vitamin A
 
1583
IU
32
%
Vitamin C
 
0.3
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
516
mg
52
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

The provided nutritional information is an estimate per serving. Accuracy is not guaranteed.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More American

  • Close-up of cheesy lasagna slice with layers of pasta, meat, and rich creamy sauce. Perfect comfort food.
    Cheesy Ground Beef & Potato Casserole
  • Close-up of creamy macaroni and beef casserole with cheese sauce, perfectly cooked and ready to serve.
    Cheesy Beef & Elbow Pasta: Homemade Hamburger Helper
  • Pan-seared chicken thighs with creamy mushroom sauce in a skillet, garnished with herbs for a savory meal.
    One-Pot Chicken & Gravy
  • Grilled fish fillet topped with cherry tomatoes and herbs, drizzled with sauce on a ceramic plate.
    15-Minute Baked Tilapia & Cherry Tomatoes

Comments

  1. Harry J says

    December 06, 2024 at 9:54 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you for sharing the recipe. Not so easy to find!

    Reply
  2. Brian says

    April 30, 2025 at 1:02 am

    4 stars
    The recipe is good, I just don't get what all the fuss is about. It's just a mac and cheese after all.

    Reply
4.50 from 2 votes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Smiling woman holding a delicious sandwich with fresh ingredients.

Hi, I'm Lola

Just your not so average girl next door who loves all things food. I was born in Paris, France to a tribe of women who love to cook and bake! I bring you quick and easy recipes from all over the world, but my heart (and taste buds) belong to Mediterranean cuisine. As a mom and stepmom to four kids, quick and delicious is my goal!

More about me

Popular

  • healthy orange chicken topped with sesame seeds and green onions, served with rice and sauce.
    Healthy Orange Chicken

  • Loaded potato wedges topped with ground beef, sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes in a black bowl.
    Loaded Taco Potato Bowl

  • Stack of fluffy pancakes with syrup and butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar on a plate.
    Fluffy Buttermilk Pancakes

  • Delicious taco salad in a crispy tortilla bowl with ground beef, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, served on a white plate.
    Taco Salad with Ground Beef

Mediterranean

  • Creamy prawn and chorizo pasta.
    Creamy Prawn and Chorizo Pasta

  • Pan of vibrant paella with saffron rice, peas, chorizo, chicken, red peppers, and lemon wedges.
    Chicken & Chorizo Risotto

  • Green pistachio pesto sauce in a glass jar on a wooden board with peanuts and a spoon nearby.
    Pistachio Pesto Pasta

  • Grilled kebabs on a platter with fresh salad and roasted tomatoes, garnished with herbs. Perfect for a Mediterranean feast.
    Sheet Pan Chicken Kebabs in the Oven

New Recipes

  • Slice of no bake mascarpone pistachio cheesecake on black plate, garnished with crushed pistachios, on a cake stand.
    No-Bake Mascarpone Pistachio Cheesecake

  • Roasted chicken with lemon, olives, and spices in a black skillet for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
    Poulet Yassa - Senegalese Chicken Stew

  • Lemon cheesecake slice with whipped cream and mint garnish on a brown plate. Perfect dessert for lemon lovers.
    No-Bake Mascarpone Lemon Cheesecake

  • Freshly baked spinach pie with crispy phyllo layers, served on a platter with a slice lifted and vibrant floral backdrop.
    Mediterranean Spinach, Tomato & Feta Pie

Footer

↑ back to top
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe to our newsletter

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Lola Jay Yum

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.