Best Viral TikTok Mac And Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Best Viral TikTok Mac And Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight that perfectly blends cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich flavor experience. It’s simple to make and guarantees a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pound (1 lb) elbow macaroni
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter
• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 60 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Step 3: Slowly add the whole milk and heavy cream to the roux while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
4. Step 4: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly into the sauce.
5. Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
6. Step 6: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Step 7: For a golden, crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Broil under 450°F for 2 to 3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar for a bolder cheese flavor or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for subtle heat.
• Swap elbow macaroni with cavatappi or shells for a fun twist on texture.
• To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added flavor and texture.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid overheating to prevent separation.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina to customize the flavor, but keep the total cheese amount roughly the same.

Is it necessary to broil the mac and cheese at the end?

No, broiling adds a nice crispy topping but you can skip this step if you prefer a creamier, saucier dish straight from the stovetop.

Best Viral TikTok Mac And Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 59 reviews

• Author: Gabriel
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Viral TikTok Mac And Cheese Recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with tender elbow macaroni in a rich homemade cheese sauce. Finished under the broiler for a golden, crispy top, this crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for comfort food cravings and simple family meals.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 1 pound (1 lb) elbow macaroni

Cheese Mix

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dairy & Sauce

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons (4 tbsp) butter

Seasoning & Thickener

• 2 tablespoons (2 tbsp) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 tsp) smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Add Milk and Cream: Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly.
5. Incorporate Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated thoroughly.
7. Broil for a Crispy Top: Transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish. Broil on high at 450°F (232°C) for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve a golden and crispy top without burning.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, use full-fat dairy as specified.
• Stir constantly while making the roux and sauce to avoid lumps.
• Monitor the broiler closely to prevent the topping from burning.
• This recipe can be made ahead and reheated; add a splash of milk when reheating if sauce thickens too much.
• Customize with breadcrumbs or extra cheeses on top before broiling for a different texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Viral TikTok Recipe, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food