Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe (Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese)

This viral Tini’s Mac and Cheese took over TikTok, and after trying it myself, I can confirm the hype is real — this might honestly be the best mac and cheese I've ever made. It’s insanely creamy, loaded with layers of melted cheese, and baked until the top develops a golden, bubbly crust that’s addictive. I’ve recreated a lot of viral recipes — like my Cajun Egg Boil and Logan’s Cucumber Salad — and like those, this recipe is legit. It tastes exactly as the videos promise: cheesy, rich, decadent, and absolutely perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you want comfort food that goes above and beyond the usual mac n cheese.

Why I Love This Viral Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe

I actually discovered this recipe through my cousin, who is always ahead of every TikTok food trend. He sent me Tini’s original video — the one that now has more than 100 million views — and as soon as I watched it, I knew I had to recreate it at home. Of course, I couldn’t resist adding my own twist to elevate the flavor even more, and the final result is unbelievably good.

What makes Tini’s mac and cheese so special is the cheese blend. Using mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar gives the sauce the perfect mix of stretch, creaminess, and bold flavor. Every forkful is rich and velvety, but not heavy — and that crispy top layer adds just enough texture to make each bite addictive. It has that slightly chewy, browned, bubbly finish that only the best baked mac and cheese recipes have.

This recipe checks every box: comforting, flavorful, ultra cheesy, visually stunning, and unbelievably satisfying. Once you try this version at home, you’ll understand why it went viral — and why I keep making it again and again. If you want to try a spicy version of this recipe, check out my Buffalo chicken mac and cheese. It's a copycat version of Tini's, too!

Tini's Mac and Cheese Ingredients

This recipe is made with common pantry ingredients, and you can really use any shredded cheese you have in your fridge. The more cheeses, the better!

Here's what you need for this recipe:

• 1 lb corkscrew noodles
• 1 lb mozzarella, shredded
• 1 lb Colby jack, shredded
• ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 3 tablespoon butter
• 3 tablespoon flour
• 1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh chives (optional)

How To Make Tini's Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Prepare the Cheese

Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred all the cheeses and mix them in a bowl, setting aside half for the topping.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a large pan over medium heat. Stir in flour and half the seasoning to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, ensuring no lumps.

Add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and remaining seasoning. Cook until the sauce thickens, then stir in half of the shredded cheese until smooth.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce until fully coated. Grease a baking dish and layer half the pasta mixture, topping it with half of the remaining cheese. Add the rest of the pasta and finish with the remaining cheese on top.

Step 4: Bake and Broil

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispy golden crust, broil for an additional 2 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to prevent the top from burning.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chives if desired, and serve warm. Now finally, enjoy this TikTok-inspired mac and cheese!

Expert Tips for The Best Tini's Mac and Cheese

• Use block cheese and shred it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting and can make your sauce grainy. For ultra-creamy mac and cheese, always grate cheese from the block — it melts faster, blends smoother, and gives Tini’s mac and cheese its signature silkiness.
• Combine multiple cheeses for better flavor. Using a blend of cheeses is what sets this recipe apart. A mix of sharp cheddar (flavor), mozzarella or Monterey Jack (meltability), and a specialty cheese like Gruyère, fontina, or smoked gouda (depth) creates a sauce that’s rich, stretchy, and packed with layers of flavor.
• Cook your roux long enough to remove the flour taste. Once you whisk the flour into the melted butter, let it cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step cooks out the raw flour flavor and gives your sauce a smoother finish. If you rush this, the sauce can taste “pasty” instead of velvety.
• Add evaporated milk slowly for perfect thickening. Evaporated milk gives old-school Southern mac and cheese its iconic creaminess. Whisk it in gradually, letting the mixture bubble and thicken before adding more liquid. This helps the sauce emulsify and prevents lumps.
• Keep the heat on medium — never high. High heat can burn the roux or cause the cheese to separate into grainy clumps. Keeping the sauce over medium to medium-low heat gives you more control and results in a silky, stable cheese sauce.
• Season in layers (not all at once). Adding half of the seasoning to the roux and half to the cream mixture ensures even distribution. It also keeps the flavors from tasting flat. Also, don’t skip the Dijon mustard — it doesn’t make the sauce taste like mustard; it sharpens the cheese flavor and gives the dish subtle depth.
• Add the cheese slowly and melt fully before adding more. Dumping all the cheese in at once can make the sauce seize. Add handfuls at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely. This creates that smooth, luscious consistency Tini’s mac is known for.
• Cook the pasta to slightly under al dente. Since the dish bakes in the oven, the pasta will continue cooking. Boil it 1–2 minutes less than the box recommends to prevent mushy mac and cheese. Undercooked pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly as it bakes.
• Layer instead of mixing everything together at once. This recipe’s layered method — pasta, cheese, pasta, cheese — guarantees cheese pulls in every bite, a melty top layer, and a creamy interior. It also keeps the pasta from clumping together.
• Broil carefully for the perfect crust. If you want that golden, bubbly top, place the dish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes max. Watch it closely — cheese can go from golden delicious to burnt bitter in seconds.
• Let the mac and cheese rest before serving. Give the dish 5–10 minutes to set after baking. This helps the sauce firm up slightly so every scoop is creamy and cohesive instead of runny.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot for the sauce. Thin pots scorch dairy easily. A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly, prevents burning, and protects your roux.
• Taste as you go — cheese brands vary in saltiness. Cheddar and gouda can have wildly different salt levels depending on the brand. Always taste the sauce before adding extra salt to avoid an overly salty mac and cheese.
• Plan for how much you need — this recipe scales easily. Tini’s Mac and Cheese is perfect for holidays or feeding a crowd. You can easily double (or triple, which I've done) the recipe, but if you do, be sure to use a wider pot for the sauce so it thickens evenly.

Tini's Mac and Cheese FAQS

What is Tini’s mac and cheese recipe?

Tini’s mac and cheese is an rich, ultra-creamy baked mac and cheese that’s made with a homemade roux, evaporated milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and a blend of freshly shredded cheeses. It’s layered like a traditional Southern baked mac — pasta, cheese, pasta, cheese — giving you melty cheese pulls in every bite and a perfect golden crust on top. It’s indulgent, comforting, and has been one of my most requested recipes from friends and family.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, any short, sturdy pasta works well because it holds the cheese sauce. Penne, cavatappi, shells, rigatoni, and rotini are all excellent choices. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine — they don’t capture the sauce as well and can make the dish feel heavy instead of creamy.

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for holidays or meal prep because it reheats so well. Assemble the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time to account for the chilled pasta. For the crispiest topping, sprinkle the last layer of cheese right before baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover Tini's mac and cheese in an airtight container or in the original baking dish with a lid on top in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. 

How do I reheat baked mac and cheese without drying it out?

The best method is reheating in the oven. Cover the dish with foil, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk per cup of pasta, and warm at 325°F for 15–20 minutes until creamy again. For individual servings, the microwave works — just heat at 50% power, stirring every 30–40 seconds. The lower power prevents the cheese sauce from splitting.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze it after baking. Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a covered dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce needs loosening.

Can I add toppings?

Definitely! Tini’s mac is delicious as-is, but toppings can take it to another level. Try buttered breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, crispy bacon bits, fried onions, extra shredded cheese, or a drizzle of garlic butter before broiling. For a spicy kick, sprinkle jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce over the top.

Why did my cheese sauce turn grainy?

A grainy cheese sauce typically happens when the heat is too high or when pre-shredded cheese is used. Cheese should melt over medium-low heat, and block cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded. If your sauce separates, whisk in a splash of warm milk to help emulsify it again.

Can I add extra mix-ins?

Absolutely! This mac and cheese makes a delicious base for additions like cooked lobster, grilled chicken, steamed broccoli, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or diced jalapeños. Just stir them into the pasta before layering it in the baking dish.

More Viral TikTok Recipes To Try Next

• Chicken alfredo garlic bread
• White bolognese
• Kylie Jenner ramen
• Gigi Hadid pasta
• Cinnamon rolls with heavy cream
• Oreo mug cake
• Donna Kelce's cookies
• Boursin pasta
• Ditalini pasta