120 Million View TikTok Mac and Cheese 🧀 (Tini's Famous Recipe)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Shell Pasta (corkscrew or shell shape, cooked al dente)
• 3 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
• 3 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
• 1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (full‑fat)
• 2 cups Heavy Cream (35 % fat)
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
• 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika (optional, adds smoky flavor)
• 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• to taste Salt (kosher or sea salt)
• 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
• 1 lb Colby‑Jack Cheese (shredded; marble cheddar works as a substitute)
• 0.5 lb Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the shell pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.

   Time: PT7M

   Temperature: 212°F

2. Shred the Cheeses

   While the pasta cooks, shred the mozzarella, Colby‑Jack (or marble cheddar), and sharp cheddar into a large mixing bowl.

   Time: PT10M

3. Prepare Seasoning Blend

   Combine black pepper, salt, smoked paprika (½ tsp), and garlic powder (½ tsp) in a small bowl. Set aside.

   Time: PT2M

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

   In a large deep pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in half of the seasoning blend, then whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5‑7 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in half of the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the mixture looks dry, add a little more milk or pasta water.

   Time: PT3M

6. Assemble in Baking Dish

   Spread half of the pasta‑cheese mixture into the 9×13‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheese over the top. Add the rest of the pasta mixture, then top with the remaining cheese for a golden crust.

   Time: PT5M

7. Bake the Casserole

   Preheat the oven to 300°F (180°C). Bake the assembled mac and cheese for 25‑30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is melted.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 300°F

8. Broil for a Golden Finish

   Remove the foil (if used) and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden and slightly crisp.

   Time: PT2M

   Temperature: broil

9. Rest and Serve

   Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes portioning easier.

   Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

650

Protein

25 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

35 g

Fiber

2 g