# Tini’s Viral Mac and Cheese: A Dreamy Delight
Tini’s mac and cheese has gone viral on the internet, racking up over 60 million views on TikTok. This dish is essential for mac and cheese lovers, showcasing a luscious combination of three types of cheese and corkscrew pasta, making it ideal for potlucks, barbecues, or family reunions.
## What is Tini’s Mac and Cheese?
Tini’s mac and cheese has turned into a viral phenomenon on TikTok, enchanting audiences with its rich flavors and creamy consistency. It has quickly gained popularity, especially during special occasions like Thanksgiving. If you want to make a lasting impression at your next event, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
## Ingredients for Tini’s Mac and Cheese
To whip up this scrumptious dish, you will need the following components:
– **Pasta**: 1 lb of corkscrew pasta (cavatappi) for maximum sauce absorption.
– **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.
– **Evaporated Milk**: 12 oz (1 can) for added creaminess.
– **Heavy Cream**: 2 cups for a richer texture.
– **Seasonings**: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for enhanced flavor.
– **Dijon Mustard**: 1 tablespoon to complement the cheese’s richness.
## How to Make Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Follow these instructions to prepare Tini’s mac and cheese:
1. **Cook the Pasta**: In a sizable pot of salted water, prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly.
2. **Make the Roux**: In a large non-stick skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Incorporate half of the seasoning mix and stir to release the fragrances. Mix in the flour and allow it to bubble.
3. **Add Evaporated Milk**: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk while whisking. The mixture should slightly thicken.
4. **Incorporate Heavy Cream**: Whisk in the heavy cream until completely combined. Add the rest of the seasoning and Dijon mustard.
5. **Melt the Cheese**: Slowly add half of the cheese, whisking until melted before integrating more.
6. **Combine with Pasta**: Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring all noodles are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
7. **Layer in Casserole Dish**: In an oven-safe dish, layer half of the mac and cheese, followed by half of the remaining cheese. Repeat with the remaining mac and cheese and top with the leftover cheese.
8. **Bake**: Set the oven to 350°F and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
9. **Broil**: Broil for an additional 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
10. **Serve**: If desired, garnish with sliced chives, scoop, and relish!
## Who is Tini?
Tini is a skilled cook celebrated for her captivating TikTok videos, where she shares tasty recipes and cooking tips. With more than 5.5 million followers, she has emerged as a notable personality in the online cooking scene.
## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mac and Cheese
– **Shred Your Own Cheese**: Steer clear of pre-shredded cheese, which can contain additives that impact texture.
– **Layering**: Similar to lasagna, layering mac and cheese creates pockets of melted cheese and a crispy topping.
– **Seasoning**: Don’t overlook the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard; they elevate the overall flavor.
## Make Ahead Mac and Cheese
You can prepare this dish ahead of time up until the baking step. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and continue baking until thoroughly heated.
## Alternative Pasta Options
While corkscrew pasta is recommended, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, such as traditional macaroni, mini penne, or rotini. The secret is the creamy cheese sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
## Conclusion
Tini’s mac and cheese is a rich, creamy, and absolutely delectable dish that will surely please any gathering. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a main course, this recipe is a surefire winner. Enjoy the cheesy delight!