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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

Last updated: April 3, 2026

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100 MILLION VIEW CREAMY MAC & CHEESE

Recipe by Ceyana Kendall

A creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese inspired by the viral TikTok recipe that amassed nearly 100 million views. Corkscrew pasta soaks up a rich sauce made with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, evaporated milk, and heavy cream, finished with smoked paprika and Dijon mustard for a smoky, tangy kick. Baked until golden and crispy on top, this comfort‑food classic is perfect for a family dinner or a crowd‑pleasing party.

MediumAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
35m
Prep
44m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$17.77
Total cost
$2.96
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • 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

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot pasta with care to avoid burns
  • The sauce pan will be very hot; use oven mitts when removing from the stove
  • The oven broil setting can cause rapid browning; watch closely to prevent burning

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of viral TikTok mac and cheese in American comfort food culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

How is viral TikTok mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?

A

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.

cultural
Q

On what occasions is viral TikTok mac and cheese commonly enjoyed in American culture?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes viral TikTok mac and cheese special or unique in American cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making viral TikTok mac and cheese?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe use evaporated milk and heavy cream instead of regular milk?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make viral TikTok mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce of viral TikTok mac and cheese is done?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when viral TikTok mac and cheese is done cooking in the oven?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ceyana Kendall specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ceyana Kendall’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

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.

channel

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