Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe Took the Internet by Storm—And I Finally Found Out Why

Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe If you’re searching for the perfect homemade mac and cheese, look no further than Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe. This viral sensation has captured the attention of millions, and for good reason—it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner, a potluck, or a cozy weeknight meal, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

Why Is Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe So Popular?

In November, TikTok creator Tini shared her take on mac and cheese, using an incredible two-and-a-half pounds of cheese, all grated by hand. The secret? A rich and creamy roux made from evaporated milk and heavy cream, combined with cavatappi pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni. According to Tini, the corkscrew shape helps hold onto the cheese sauce better, creating a perfect bite every time.

“I use corkscrews because all that cream gets all up in there, so you bite into the cream and cheesiness,” she explained. “It’s better than elbow pasta.”

Since its release, Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe has amassed over 69 million views, with countless recreations flooding the internet. In fact, it became so popular that Tini herself struggled to find ingredients during Thanksgiving due to the overwhelming demand.

How to Make Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound cavatappi, cooked
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
• 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated
• 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook cavatappi pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. Mix all three shredded cheeses in a bowl and divide in half.
4. In another small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then divide in half.
5. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add half of the seasoning mixture and flour, stirring until it forms a paste (about 3 to 5 minutes).
6. Pour in evaporated milk, whisking continuously until thickened. Add heavy cream, the remaining seasoning mixture, and Dijon mustard, stirring until smooth.
7. Gradually add half of the cheese mixture, allowing it to melt before adding more.
8. Stir in the cooked pasta until fully coated with cheese sauce.
9. Layer half of the mac and cheese in the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the remaining cheese on top. Repeat the layers.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Broil for 2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust on top.

My Honest Review of Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe

What stood out the most about Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe was how simple yet flavorful it was. While grating cheese by hand may seem like extra work, it makes a huge difference in texture and meltability.

The roux-based cheese sauce was incredibly creamy and rich—I could have easily eaten it straight from the pot. And the choice of cavatappi pasta? A total game-changer. The corkscrew shape does a phenomenal job of holding onto the decadent cheese sauce, making every bite satisfying.

If you’ve been searching for the best baked mac and cheese, this is it. One taste, and you’ll understand why so many people are saying they’ll never make another mac and cheese recipe again!

If you loved this article on Tinis Mac and Cheese Recipe, be sure to share it and try it for yourself! Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Happy cooking!