We attempt to make Tini’s viral Mac & Cheese Momma gets honest at the end
We attempt to make Tini’s viral Mac & Cheese 😳 Momma gets honest at the end is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 650 calories per serving. Recipe by Josh & Momma on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 37 min
Cost: $16.31 total, $2.04 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Elbow Macaroni (any small pasta shape such as elbow macaroni)
- 2 tablespoon Salt (for seasoning the pasta water)
- 3 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (for the roux)
- 3 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for thickening the cheese sauce)
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor)
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder (seasoning)
- 1 teaspoon Honey Dijon Mustard (optional, adds a subtle tang)
- 1 can Evaporated Milk (12‑oz full‑fat can)
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 pound Mozzarella Cheese (block cheese, shredded)
- 1 pound Cobby Jack Cheese (block cheese, shredded)
- 8 ounce Sharp Cheddar Cheese (block cheese, shredded)
Instructions
Boil Pasta Water
Fill a large pot with water, add 2 Tbsp salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
Time: PT5M
Cook the Pasta
Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook for exactly 8 minutes, then drain in a colander.
Time: PT8M
Grate the Cheeses
Using a box grater, shred the mozzarella, Cobby Jack, and sharp cheddar into a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT15M
Make the Roux
Melt 3 Tbsp butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add half of the smoked paprika and half of the garlic powder, stirring for 30 seconds.
Time: PT2M
Add Flour
Stir in 3 Tbsp all‑purpose flour, whisk continuously for about 2‑3 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Time: PT3M
Create the Creamy Base
Gradually whisk in the can of evaporated milk followed by the 2 cups heavy whipping cream. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2‑3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Time: PT4M
Season the Sauce
Stir in the remaining smoked paprika, garlic powder, 1 tsp honey Dijon mustard (optional), and 1 tsp salt. Cook another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Melt the First Portion of Cheese
Add half of the shredded cheese mixture to the sauce, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
Time: PT5M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Transfer the mixture to the 9×13‑inch baking dish.
Time: PT5M
Add Remaining Cheese
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the pasta in the baking dish.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the casserole for 22‑25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and the top is lightly browned.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Broil for a Golden Top
Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Broil
Rest Before Serving
Remove from oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 minutes. This allows the sauce to set and makes serving easier.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 650
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, small shells
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: regular paprika, chipotle powder
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Honey Dijon Mustard: regular Dijon mustard, yellow mustard
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: whole milk
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: half‑and‑half
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: low‑moisture mozzarella
- Instead of Cobby Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: aged cheddar
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Box Grater
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13‑Inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the pasta for exactly 8 minutes to avoid mushiness.
- Creating a smooth roux without burning the butter.
- Gradually whisking in milk and cream to prevent lumps.
- Melting cheese over low heat to keep the sauce creamy.
- Baking until bubbling and then broiling for a golden crust.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Grate the cheeses from a block for the best melt and flavor; pre‑shredded cheese contains anti‑caking agents that can affect texture.
- Use a whisk when adding milk and cream to avoid lumps in the roux.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce becomes grainy or separates.
Keep the heat low after adding cheese, whisk continuously, and add the cheese gradually. If it separates, whisk in a splash of milk to bring it back together.
Sauce is too thick before adding pasta.
Thin it with a little extra milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired pourable consistency is reached.
Pasta is overcooked and mushy.
Cook the pasta al dente (8 minutes) and drain immediately. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 8, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently before adding the remaining cheese and baking.
- Cook the pasta a day ahead, toss with a little oil to prevent sticking, and store in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of mac and cheese in American Southern cuisine?
Macaroni and cheese has roots in Southern comfort food, becoming a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday meals. Its creamy, cheesy profile reflects the region’s love for rich, indulgent dishes that bring people together.
What are traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes extra cheese, a breadcrumb topping, or smoked spices. In New England, a béchamel‑based sauce is common, while in the Midwest, a cheddar‑only version is popular. This teeny mac and cheese adds smoked paprika for a Southern twist.
What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Mac and cheese is a go‑to side for Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthday parties, and casual family dinners. Its crowd‑pleasing nature makes it a favorite for potlucks and game‑day spreads.
How does mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
Mac and cheese embodies the American comfort food ethos: simple ingredients, rich flavors, and a nostalgic, home‑cooked feel. It pairs well with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread, completing a classic Southern plate.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional mac and cheese uses elbow pasta, sharp cheddar, milk, butter, and flour. Acceptable substitutes include other pasta shapes, mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra melt, and evaporated milk or heavy cream for a richer sauce, as used in this teeny mac and cheese.
What other Southern dishes pair well with teeny mac and cheese?
Fried chicken, collard greens, cornbread, and baked beans are classic Southern companions that balance the richness of teeny mac and cheese and create a complete comfort‑food meal.
What makes teeny mac and cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The teeny mac and cheese stands out for its massive cheese load (two pounds of cheese) and the addition of smoked paprika, giving it a smoky depth not typical in standard recipes. The use of evaporated milk and heavy cream also creates an ultra‑creamy texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making teeny mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, burning the roux, adding cheese over high heat (which makes the sauce grainy), and under‑seasoning. Follow the exact timing for each step and keep the heat moderate when melting cheese.
How do I know when the cheese sauce for teeny mac and cheese is ready?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without clumping. It will thicken slightly after a couple of minutes of simmering; if it looks too thick, thin with a splash of milk.
Can I make teeny mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if the dish is cold. It also freezes well for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Josh & Momma specialize in?
The YouTube channel Josh & Momma focuses on family‑friendly home cooking, often featuring comfort‑food classics, step‑by‑step tutorials, and candid kitchen moments that make cooking approachable for everyday home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Josh & Momma's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Josh & Momma emphasizes real‑world kitchen challenges—like ingredient shortages and improvisation—while still delivering detailed, honest instructions. Their relaxed, conversational style contrasts with highly polished productions, making the recipes feel more attainable.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
