Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese
Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made by simmering elbow macaroni directly in milk and then mixing in a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced with optional spices and a touch of sour cream for richness, this easy-to-make recipe can be finished with a crunchy breadcrumb topping and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Perfect for a quick family meal or to impress friends with a trendy twist on classic mac and cheese.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta and Dairy
- 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)
Seasonings and Toppings
- 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)
- Cook the Pasta: In a medium saucepan, combine the elbow macaroni and whole milk over medium heat. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the milk is absorbed. Be careful not to drain the pasta; the milk is essential for the creamy sauce.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter, shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses along with the optional garlic powder and mustard powder. Stir continuously until all the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
- Add Sour Cream (Optional): Gently fold in the sour cream to boost the creaminess and richness of the dish. Season the mac and cheese with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Optional Topping: For a crunchy and golden topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese. Place the pan under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the breadcrumbs turn a perfect golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute whole milk with heavy cream for a richer and creamier mac and cheese.
- Sour cream is optional but highly recommended for added creaminess and tang.
- Use freshly shredded cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- If you want a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, add breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes instead of broiling.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper carefully, as Parmesan cheese can be salty.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is vegetarian-friendly (made without animal rennet).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Tini's TikTok mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, viral TikTok recipe