Cheesy Tini’s Mac and Cheese with mozzarella, Colby jack, cheddar, and Dijon mustard. The ultimate crowd-pleaser! This viral mac recipe has everything cheese lovers dream of—melty goodness, layers of flavor, and that iconic mac and cheese vibe.
Okay, confession time—I didn’t dig this recipe out of some dusty old family cookbook or learn it from a wise relative. Nope. I found it on TikTok. Yep, scrolling at 1 a.m., trying to fight off a snack craving, and bam! There it was. A quick, super cheesy video by @tinekeyounger stopped me in my tracks.
The way the cheese melted, the golden bubbly top—it was like the mac and cheese of my dreams. With a touch of Dijon mustard and three kinds of cheeses, this homemade mac is next level.
I couldn’t resist trying it, and let me tell you, it delivered. Of course, I’ve made a few tweaks here and there to make it my own (I mean, that’s what cooking is all about, right?). Next time, I might even try adding crispy bacon bits or experimenting with different cheeses for even more layers of flavor.
But seriously, this recipe is TikTok gold, and I’m forever grateful for that late-night scroll. Seeing Tini Younger whip up her viral mac in the original video last year was the best thing to hit my feed. Tiktok users everywhere were hooked, and for good reason.
Why You’ll Love This Tini’s Mac and Cheese
You know how some recipes promise comfort and deliver… mediocrity? This isn’t that.
- Triple Cheese Power: Mozzarella, Colby jack, and cheddar—each cheese has a role. Mozzarella melts like a dream, Colby jack adds creaminess, and cheddar? That sharp kick seals the deal.
- Velvety Sauce: Thanks to evaporated milk and heavy cream, the sauce coats every noodle like it’s giving it a warm hug. The heavy whipping cream ensures an incredible creaminess in every bite, creating that velvety texture cheese lovers can’t resist.
- Subtle Spice Magic: Smoked paprika and garlic powder don’t shout—they whisper. Just enough to make you wonder, “What is that amazing flavor?”
- Golden Bubbly Top: Let’s not pretend we don’t all love breaking through that cheesy crust. It’s the best part, right? That golden brown crust on top? It’s all about the right baking time and keeping a close eye to achieve perfection.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s the thing: Tini’s Mac & Cheese works because every ingredient has a purpose. No fillers, no fluff.
- Cavatappi Pasta: This corkscrew pasta holds the cheese sauce so well, making every bite packed with flavor. Just cook it al dente according to the package instructions.
- Mozzarella Cheese: While pre-shredded cheese works, grating your own cheese ensures the best results with no additives interfering with the melt.
- Colby Jack Cheese: It’s mellow and creamy, keeping the flavors balanced.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is key for that bold, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream and other cheeses.
- Dijon Mustard: This touch of Dijon mustard takes the sauce from good to great, adding a subtle tang that enhances the cheesy goodness.
- Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika are subtle but essential.
How To Make Cheesy Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Alright, let’s talk steps. And hey, don’t overthink it—if I can pull this off, so can you.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a safe casserole 9×13 dish or baking dish. This ensures your mac doesn’t stick, and you get those clean edges when serving.
- Cheese Blending 101: Mix all the cheeses in a large bowl, but remember to set aside half of the cheese for that final layer of cheesy heaven.
- Spice It Up: Combine your spices in a little bowl. Divide them in half. Why? You’ll need them for both the sauce and the layers.
- The Sauce (A.K.A. The Star): Melt butter in a big pot (bigger than you think—pasta’s coming soon). Stir in flour and half your spice mix. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and cream. Then comes the Dijon mustard and half your cheese mix. Stir until it’s silky smooth.
- Assembly Time: Layer the pasta and cheese mixture in the baking dish, topping each layer with a sprinkle of the remaining cheese. This layering method ensures every bite is extra cheesy.
- Bake and Drool: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top melts into a golden crust. For best results, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
Pro tip: For an extra level of cheesiness, reserve a bit more of the cheese mixture for a final sprinkle right before serving. Also, if you like your mac and cheese extra crispy on top, broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn—just a light golden crisp is all you need. For extra crunch, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs over the top before broiling—it’ll take your mac to next-level chef status.
Storage Options
Okay, so maybe you made too much (is that even possible?). Here’s how to save it:
- Fridge: Store in a safe casserole dish or transfer to airtight containers to keep it fresh for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions in a baking dish covered with foil. This makes reheating simple and mess-free.
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Variations and Substitutions
Want to make Tini’s Mac and cheese your own? Go for it!
- Add Protein: Shredded chicken or crispy bacon bits are great options to make this a hearty main course.
- Veggie Boost: Broccoli, spinach, or roasted peppers are great options.
- Cheese Swap: Gruyere, gouda, or pepper jack can bring a whole new vibe to this cheesy recipe. Just be sure to mix different cheeses for depth.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour for a gluten-free twist.
What to Serve With Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a meal on its own, but pairing it? Chef’s kiss.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread made with a lot of cheese for the ultimate carb-on-carb indulgence.
- Green Salad: Something fresh to cut through the richness.
- Roasted Veggies: Brussels sprouts or carrots are a great choice.
- BBQ Chicken: The smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken balances the creamy texture of the mac perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this tini’s Mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next day for fresh, bubbly mac.
Do I really need Dijon mustard?
Okay, technically no, but it adds this subtle tang that you’ll miss if it’s not there.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Add a splash of heavy whipping cream or milk, cover with foil, and heat at medium heat until warmed through.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, pasta shapes like penne or shells work well, but corkscrew pasta is my favorite for holding the sauce.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
The recipe is naturally vegetarian, but if you want to add a little extra veggie flavor, you can toss in some sautéed spinach or mushrooms before baking.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to give Tini’s Mac & Cheese a try? If you do, let me know how it turns out—or if you sneak an extra bite before serving. I won’t tell!
This cheesy recipe is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you’re craving the ultimate comfort food. With layers of flavor and iconic mac vibes, it’s destined to become a household favorite!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Cheesy Tini’s Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta cooked
- 1 pound mozzarella cheese grated
- 1 pound Colby jack cheese grated
- 8 ounces Cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 12 ounces can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix all the grated cheeses together. Set aside half of the cheese blend in a different bowl.
- Blend the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together in a small bowl. Divide the spice mix in half and set one portion aside.
- In a big pot, soften the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and half of the spice blend. Stir constantly and cook for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture is slightly browned and smooth.
- Gradually pour in the evaporated milk, whisking continuously to ensure a lump-free sauce. Slowly add the heavy cream, the rest of the spice mix, and Dijon mustard, stirring until well incorporated. Gradually add half of the cheese mixture, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, making sure it's evenly coated. Transfer half of the pasta and sauce mixture to your prepared baking dish, then sprinkle half of the reserved cheese on top. Add the remainder of the pasta mix and top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and has a light golden crust.
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
