# Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese: A Holiday Culinary Delight
For those who love macaroni and cheese, Tini’s viral mac and cheese recipe is an essential dish to try this holiday season. This recipe has gone viral on social media, racking up over 60 million views on TikTok. With its indulgent, creamy consistency and an exquisite mix of three distinct cheeses, it stands as the quintessential comfort food for any festive gathering.
## Why is Tini’s Mac and Cheese Unique?
Tini’s mac and cheese is more than just another recipe; it’s a gastronomic phenomenon that has won the hearts of countless fans. The blend of corkscrew pasta (commonly known as cavatappi) alongside a trio of cheeses—mozzarella, colby jack, and sharp cheddar—delivers an enjoyable experience. The spiral shape of the pasta allows the cheesy sauce to envelop each piece, guaranteeing that every mouthful bursts with creamy flavor. This meal is ideal for snug winter evenings and holiday festivities, making it a perfect choice for your potluck dishes.
## Ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese
To recreate this culinary hit, gather the following ingredients:
– **Pasta**: 1 lb of corkscrew (cavatappi) pasta, ideal for trapping the sauce.
– **Cheese**:
– 1 lb mozzarella cheese
– 1 lb colby jack cheese
– ½ lb sharp cheddar cheese
– **Butter**: 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter for the roux.
– **Flour**: 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to thicken the sauce.
– **Evaporated Milk**: 12 oz (1 can) for added creaminess.
– **Heavy Cream**: 2 cups to boost richness.
– **Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for additional flavor.
– **Dijon Mustard**: 1 tablespoon to counterbalance the richness of the cheese.
## Steps to Make Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Follow these straightforward instructions to whip up your own delectable mac and cheese:
1. **Cook the Pasta**: In a sizable pot of salted boiling water, prepare the pasta as per the package directions. Drain thoroughly.
2. **Create the Roux**: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add half of the seasoning blend (salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika) and stir to release the fragrances. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour and cook until bubbly.
3. **Incorporate the Dairy**: Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and then the heavy cream. Mix in the remaining seasoning and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to thicken a little.
4. **Add the Cheese**: Mix in half of the shredded cheese, adding it gradually and allowing it to melt completely before introducing more.
5. **Combine with Pasta**: Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring each noodle is well coated with the creamy sauce.
6. **Layer in a Casserole Dish**: In an oven-safe casserole dish, add half of the mac and cheese, layer in half of the remaining cheese, then add the rest of the mac and cheese and finish with the last of the cheese.
7. **Bake**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is melted and bubbly. Broil for 2 minutes to achieve a crispy crust.
8. **Serve and Relish**: Allow it to cool slightly, garnish with sliced chives if desired, then scoop and serve!
## Who is Tini?
Tini is a gifted chef and social media influencer celebrated for her captivating TikTok videos, where she shares her culinary masterpieces. With over 5.5 million followers, her recipes, including this mac and cheese, have received widespread praise for their taste and straightforwardness.
## Tips for the Ideal Mac and Cheese
– **Shred Your Cheese**: Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains additives that can lead to a grainy texture. Shredding your own guarantees a creamy finish.
– **Layer for Taste**: Much like lasagna, layering your mac and cheese introduces pockets of gooey cheese and a crispy top.
– **Don’t Overlook the Seasonings**: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard contribute depth and balance to the dish.
## Make-Ahead Option
You can prep Tini’s mac and cheese ahead of time, stopping just before the baking step. Cover tightly and refriger