Get TikTok star Tini’s viral macaroni and cheese recipe
Get TikTok star Tini’s viral macaroni and cheese recipe is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by TODAY Food on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $13.70 total, $1.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cavatappi Pasta (dry, cook al dente)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for the roux)
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for the roux)
- 1 cup Evaporated Milk (full‑fat, canned)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (35% fat)
- 2 cups Colby Jack Cheese (shredded, mild flavor)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (kosher or table)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Bread Crumbs (optional topping for extra crunch)
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese
Measure out the shredded Colby Jack, cheddar, and mozzarella. If using block cheese, shred it now.
Time: PT5M
Toast the Spices
In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 2 minutes to form a smooth, golden roux.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: Medium
Add Milk and Cream
Gradually pour in the evaporated milk and heavy cream while whisking. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 5 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Incorporate the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add the shredded cheeses a handful at a time, stirring until each addition melts completely. Remove the pan from heat before the sauce looks too thick.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Low
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cavatappi and cook 8‑10 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Boiling
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Time: PT3M
Bake
Place the dish in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 350°F
Broil for a Golden Crust
Remove the foil (if used) and switch the oven to broil. Broil for 2‑3 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden and crisp.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Broil
Rest and Serve
Allow the mac and cheese to rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 45g
- Fat
- 30g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cavatappi Pasta: Elbow Macaroni, Penne
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole Wheat Flour (will change flavor)
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole Milk, Half‑and‑Half
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑Half, Milk + butter
- Instead of Colby Jack Cheese: Monterey Jack
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Sharp Cheddar
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular Paprika, Chipotle Powder (less sweet)
- Instead of Salt: Sea Salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White Pepper
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: Panko, Crushed Cornflakes
Equipment Needed
- Large Saucepan
- Whisk
- Large Pot
- Colander
- 9x13‑Inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Mixing Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making a smooth roux without lumps.
- Removing the cheese sauce from heat before it curdles.
- Broiling at the end to achieve a perfect golden crust without burning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the smoked paprika briefly in butter to unlock its smoky aroma.
- Use cavatappi or other ridged pasta; the twists trap the cheese sauce for maximum flavor.
- For an extra crunchy topping, mix bread crumbs with a little melted butter and sprinkle before the final broil.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce is grainy.
Remove the pan from heat immediately; graininess is caused by overheating. Add a splash of milk and whisk to smooth.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water.
Sauce is too thick.
Stir in additional evaporated milk or cream, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Pasta is mushy after baking.
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes short) so it retains firmness during the bake.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in oven at 350°F until hot.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge and bake 20 minutes at 350°F.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 5 and refrigerate; reheat gently before adding pasta.
- 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 baked mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Baked mac and cheese evolved from early 20th‑century American casseroles, becoming a staple comfort dish during the Great Depression and later a nostalgic favorite at family gatherings and sporting events.
What regional variations of mac and cheese exist within the United States cuisine?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a crunchy breadcrumb topping; in the Northeast, a cream‑based sauce with sharp cheddar is common; the Midwest favors a richer blend of multiple cheeses, similar to this TODAY Food recipe.
How is baked mac and cheese traditionally served in American game‑day culture?
It is typically served hot from the oven in a large casserole dish, cut into squares, and enjoyed alongside wings, pizza, and other finger foods while fans watch the game.
What occasions or celebrations is baked mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Baked mac and cheese is a popular dish for Super Bowl parties, family reunions, potlucks, and casual weekend gatherings, especially when a crowd‑pleasing, cheesy side is needed.
How does baked mac and cheese fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the comfort food ethos of rich dairy, simple carbs, and indulgent flavor, representing the American love for hearty, easy‑to‑share dishes that bring people together.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for baked mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional recipes use elbow macaroni, cheddar cheese, milk, butter, and flour. Acceptable substitutes include other short‑tube pastas like cavatappi, a blend of cheeses such as Colby Jack or mozzarella, and evaporated milk or cream for extra richness.
What other American dishes pair well with baked mac and cheese from TODAY Food?
It pairs nicely with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, coleslaw, garlic bread, and a crisp green salad, creating a balanced plate of protein, veggies, and carbs.
What makes this Ultimate Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The recipe uses a buttery roux, evaporated milk, heavy cream, and a three‑cheese blend, plus a brief broil for a crunchy crust, delivering a silky interior with a golden top that stands out from simpler stovetop versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Ultimate Cheesy Baked Mac and Cheese at home?
Common errors include overcooking the roux (which can taste burnt), overheating the cheese sauce (causing graininess), using overcooked pasta, and broiling too long, which burns the crust.
Why does this TODAY Food mac and cheese recipe use a roux and a broiler instead of just melting cheese into milk?
The roux creates a stable thickening base that prevents the sauce from separating, while the brief broil adds a caramelized, crunchy topping that elevates texture and flavor beyond a simple stovetop melt.
What does the YouTube channel TODAY Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel TODAY Food focuses on quick, crowd‑pleasing recipes, often inspired by viral trends, with a strong emphasis on comfort foods, game‑day dishes, and easy‑to‑follow step‑by‑step tutorials.
How does the YouTube channel TODAY Food's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
TODAY Food blends viral social‑media inspiration with classic American comfort dishes, emphasizing high‑cheese ratios, bold flavors, and visual appeal, whereas many other channels may prioritize health‑focused or gourmet reinterpretations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
