100 Million View Creamy Mac & Cheese
100 MILLION VIEW CREAMY MAC & CHEESE is a medium American recipe that serves 6. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Ceyana Kendall on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 27 min
Cost: $17.77 total, $2.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Corkscrew Pasta (dry)
- 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1 lb Monterey Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 3 tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces)
- 3 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 1 can Evaporated Milk (12 oz can, unopened)
- 2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (cold)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (ground)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky flavor)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tsp Salt (fine)
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the corkscrew pasta and cook for 6‑8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: boiling
Drain and Set Aside
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly with warm water to stop cooking. Transfer back to the pot or a large bowl and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Shred the Cheeses
Using a cheese shredder or box grater, shred the mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar into separate bowls. Reserve about 1 cup of the shredded mix for the topping.
Time: PT10M
Mix Seasonings
In a small bowl combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Set aside; you will use half now and half later.
Time: PT2M
Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1‑2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden and the raw flour smell disappears.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Add Evaporated Milk
Slowly pour the evaporated milk into the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3‑4 minutes.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium heat
Incorporate Heavy Cream
Stir in the heavy whipping cream. Keep whisking until the sauce reaches a thick, coat‑the‑back-of‑spoon consistency, roughly 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium heat
Season and Add Cheese
Add half of the seasoning blend and the tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce. Then gradually fold in about 2 cups of the shredded cheese mixture, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13‑inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
Time: PT3M
Add Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese evenly over the top of the pasta. This will create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
Time: PT2M
Bake and Broil
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the mac and cheese for 25‑30 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling. Then switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely, until the top is golden and crisp.
Time: PT32M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes slicing easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 620
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 48 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Corkscrew Pasta: Rotini, fusilli
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, low‑moisture mozzarella
- Instead of Monterey Jack Cheese: Colby, Muenster
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Aged cheddar, Gruyère
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Whole‑wheat flour (will change texture)
- Instead of Evaporated Milk: Whole milk + 2 tbsp butter per cup
- Instead of Heavy Whipping Cream: Half‑and‑half, whole milk (thinner)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (use 1 clove)
- Instead of Smoked Paprika: Regular paprika + a dash liquid smoke
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: Whole grain mustard, Yellow mustard (milder)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Second Mixing Bowl
- Cheese Shredder or Grater
- Whisk
- Saucepan
- Baking Dish (9×13 inch)
- Oven
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Making the roux without burning the butter
- Whisking evaporated milk to avoid lumps
- Achieving a thick, smooth cheese sauce before adding cheese
- Baking until bubbly then broiling for a crispy top
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre‑shredded for better melt and flavor
- For extra smoky depth, add a pinch of chipotle powder with the smoked paprika
- A pinch of nutmeg in the sauce adds subtle warmth without being noticeable
Troubleshooting
Sauce is lumpy
Return the sauce to low heat and whisk vigorously; add a splash of milk to loosen if needed
Sauce is too thin
Simmer a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in an extra teaspoon of flour mixed with cold water
Pasta is mushy
Cook pasta al dente (1‑2 minutes less than package directions) and drain promptly
Top isn’t crispy enough
Broil for an additional 1‑2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Can freeze for up to 2 months; thaw and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if sauce separates
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cheese sauce can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and kept warm on low heat; re‑whisk before combining with pasta
- Assemble the baked mac and cheese in the dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking
- If freezing, bake uncovered, then cool and freeze; reheat covered at 325°F then uncover for the final 5‑minute broil
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of viral TikTok mac and cheese in American comfort food culture?
The viral TikTok mac and cheese reflects the modern American love for indulgent, over‑the‑top comfort dishes that blend nostalgia with social‑media trends. While mac and cheese has roots in early 20th‑century American cookbooks, the TikTok version popularized a super‑cheesy, baked style that emphasizes visual appeal and shareable moments, turning a classic side into a headline‑grabbing main course.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the U.S., mac and cheese varies by region: the South often adds pepper jack or a breadcrumb crust; New England favors a creamy béchamel base with sharp cheddar; the Midwest may incorporate a blend of mozzarella and cheddar; and the Southwest sometimes includes jalapeños or chipotle. The TikTok version leans toward the creamy, cheese‑rich style popular in the Midwest but adds smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
How is viral TikTok mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot from the oven, either as a main dish or a hearty side. Families often pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or a protein like fried chicken. The dish is also a popular party food, served in a large casserole dish and eaten with forks or spoonfuls.
On what occasions is viral TikTok mac and cheese commonly enjoyed in American culture?
It’s a go‑to for casual gatherings, movie nights, game days, and potluck parties. Because it’s crowd‑pleasing and easy to make in bulk, many Americans serve it at birthdays, holiday leftovers, and even as a comforting late‑night snack after a long day.
What makes viral TikTok mac and cheese special or unique in American cuisine?
The recipe’s viral status stems from its ultra‑creamy sauce made with evaporated milk and heavy cream, plus the smoky depth from smoked paprika and a tang from Dijon mustard. The use of three cheeses—mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar—creates a melt that’s both stretchy and richly flavored, setting it apart from standard cheddar‑only versions.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making viral TikTok mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (which makes it mushy), allowing the roux to burn, not whisking the milk quickly enough (causing lumps), and skipping the broil step, which leaves the top soft instead of crispy. Also, using pre‑shredded cheese can result in a grainy sauce due to anti‑caking agents.
Why does this viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe use evaporated milk and heavy cream instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk adds a concentrated dairy richness without extra water, while heavy cream contributes fat that gives the sauce its luxurious, velvety texture. Together they create a thicker, more indulgent sauce than regular milk, which helps the cheese coat the noodles evenly and stay creamy after baking.
Can I make viral TikTok mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the cheese sauce and combine it with the cooked pasta, then cover the casserole dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce of viral TikTok mac and cheese is done?
The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and glossy, with no visible flour streaks. When fully incorporated, it will appear smooth, slightly ivory‑white, and will cling to the pasta without pooling at the bottom of the pan.
How do I know when viral TikTok mac and cheese is done cooking in the oven?
The casserole is ready when the edges are bubbling, the cheese topping is melted and golden, and a quick broil has produced a crisp, lightly browned crust. A gentle shake of the dish should show the interior still creamy but firm enough to slice cleanly.
What does the YouTube channel Ceyana Kendall specialize in?
Ceyana Kendall’s YouTube channel focuses on recreating viral food trends, especially TikTok‑famous dishes, and adapting them for home cooks. She emphasizes approachable, step‑by‑step tutorials with a fun, relatable personality, often highlighting budget‑friendly tools and ingredient swaps.
How does the YouTube channel Ceyana Kendall’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Ceyana Kendall blends pop‑culture hype with practical home‑cooking tips, prioritizing ingredient accessibility and clear visual cues. Unlike many channels that focus on gourmet techniques, she keeps recipes simple, uses everyday kitchen tools, and often adds humor and personal anecdotes, making comfort food feel both trendy and attainable.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
