Tini’s Viral Mac & Cheese
Tini’s viral mac & cheese is ultra creamy, deeply cheesy, and unapologetically rich—the kind of mac that breaks the internet for good reason. This version ditches the boxed shortcut in favor of a homemade cheese sauce that clings to every noodle, with a smooth, velvety texture and bold cheddar flavor. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until lightly golden and bubbling to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in the warm milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until thickened.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Let the mac & cheese sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the pasta.
Notes
For extra richness, fold in a few tablespoons of cream cheese. To make it crispy on top, pour the mac & cheese into a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheddar, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Tini’s version is all about bold flavor, so don’t be afraid to add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like heat. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Find it online: https://richspoon.com/tinis-viral-mac-cheese/