Tini’s holiday recipe for the best macaroni and cheese has recently gone viral all over again and for all the right reasons. A viral TikTok creator, @Tinekeyounger, first posted her tutorial for her original Mac & Cheese recipe in Nov. 2023, describing it as the ultimate Mac & Cheese. This title holds true because if it was not enough for it to go viral just once, its popularity has once again spiked, reaching more views and audiences.

What makes it so good?

This recipe has the perfect ratio of pasta noodles to cheese and has clearly been thought out, as Tini’s attention to detail when it comes to this dish is flawless. Her choice of noodle shows off her attention to detail: the corkscrew because it holds the layered flavors of the cheeses and seasonings so well for perfection in every bite. Part of what makes this dish so different from others is all of the varieties of cheeses utilized that add even more of a buttery and delicate taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Corkscrew Pasta
• 1 lb Mozzarella Cheese; Grated  
• 1 lb Colby Jack Cheese; Grated 
• 1/2 lbs or 8 oz Sharp Cheddar; Grated 
• Pinch of Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, 
• 3 Tbsp Butter 
• 3 Tbsp All Purpose Flour
• 1 Can Evaporated Milk 
• 2 Cups Heavy Cream 
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard or Ground Mustard  
• Pinch of Chives

How To Make It:

1. Boil the pasta according to the instructions on the box.

2. Shred all of the cheese and mix them. Make sure that you shred your own cheese, no ‘pre-shredded.’

3. Divide your mixture of cheeses into two bowls.

4. Mix all of your preferred seasonings in a small bowl.

5. Start to make your roux (Cheese sauce): 

• Place your butter in a pan, when melted add half your seasonings and mix.
• Add in your flour and mix until combined.
• Pour in evaporated milk and immediately start whisking together to avoid getting clumps of flour in the mixture.
• Once the mixture gets a bit thicker, add in your heavy cream and mix and add in the rest of your seasonings.
• Add in mustard and mix until everything is combined.

6. Take your bowl of half the shredded cheese and add it into the Roux, make sure to only add a couple of handfuls in at a time and let it melt before adding more to allow the mixture to thicken.

7. Add in your cooked pasta and mix well to combine the noodles and Roux together and take the mixture off of the heat.

8. Using a large glass or oven-safe casserole dish, layer the pasta and cheese sauce with the remaining shredded cheese until your dish is full, and remember to especially pack the top of the dish with cheese for a crispy finish on top.

9. Place in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 25-30 minutes until the top is melted and golden brown.

10. Sprinkle the chives on top and enjoy!