Description
Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved for its creamy, velvety sauce and irresistible cheesy flavor. Combining sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan with a hint of sour cream and garlic powder, this mac and cheese is a surefire hit for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Optional crunchy breadcrumbs elevate it to the next level.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the roux)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 3 cups whole milk (for a creamy base)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ¼ cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
Instructions
-
Cook the Macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Roux
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
-
Add the Milk
- Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle simmer.
-
Add the Cheeses
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses.
- Mix until fully melted, smooth, and creamy.
-
Season the Sauce
- Add the sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to combine all the flavors.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce.
- Stir until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
-
Add Breadcrumbs (Optional)
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the creamiest texture—pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Skip breadcrumbs for a smooth, creamy finish or broil them for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, viral recipe, TikTok mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food