Additional Coverage:
- This is the only mac and cheese recipe you need for Super Bowl weekend (businessinsider.com)
TikTok Sensation Tini Younger’s Mac and Cheese: A Super Bowl Sunday Showstopper
**Move over, basic side dishes! There’s a new MVP in town for your Super Bowl spread, and it’s brought to you by “Next Level Chef” star Tineke “Tini” Younger.
** Her mac and cheese recipe has been an absolute sensation, racking up over 100 million views on TikTok since its Thanksgiving debut in November 2023. And let me tell you, it’s not just for the holidays anymore – this dish is poised to be the ultimate touchdown for your game day feast.
I recently took on the challenge of making Tini’s famous mac and cheese, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. With its unique twists on traditional ingredients and an undeniable “wow” factor, it’s easy to see why this recipe has captivated so many.
What You’ll Need to Make Tini’s Legendary Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta: Tini’s secret weapon for maximum cheesy goodness!
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, grated
- 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, grated
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Let’s Get Cooking!
- Pasta Prep: First things first, get that cavatappi cooking!
Tini swears by these corkscrew-shaped noodles, explaining that their “holes” are perfect for cradling every bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Oven & Cheese Ready: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Now for the crucial step: **grate your own cheese! ** Tini is firm on this – no pre-shredded stuff here.
Once grated, toss all the cheeses together and set half aside for later.
3.
Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine your garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavor powerhouse is ready for action.
- Roux Revolution: In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once it’s shimmering, add half of your seasoning mix and the flour. Stir continuously for a few minutes to cook out the flour taste.
- Creamy Beginnings: Pour in the evaporated milk, whisking immediately and vigorously to prevent any clumps.
Watch as your sauce begins to thicken! Next, add the heavy cream and the remaining seasoning mix.
Your roux is now officially ready for its cheesy transformation!
6.
The Great Melt: Slowly, hand by hand, begin adding your grated cheese to the roux. Tini’s advice: let each handful melt completely before introducing more.
This ensures a silky-smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
7.
Pasta Party: Once all the cheese has happily melted into a glorious sauce, it’s time to introduce your cooked cavatappi. Give it a good stir, making sure every single noodle is swimming in that decadent cheese.
- Layer by Layer: Transfer half of your cheesy pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
Sprinkle half of your reserved grated cheese blend on top. Repeat these layers one more time.
- Bake to Perfection: Pop your mac and cheese into the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
For that extra irresistible crust, finish it off under the broiler for two minutes (keep a close eye on it!).
The Verdict: A Potluck Powerhouse!
I brought two pans of Tini’s mac and cheese (one with breadcrumbs, one without, for a scientific experiment!) to a recent NFL playoffs potluck, and it was an undeniable hit.
The cavatappi noodles were indeed a game-changer, perfectly capturing the rich, indulgent sauce in every bite. The subtle tang from the Dijon mustard was a delightful surprise, adding depth without overpowering the classic cheesy goodness.
Our group was split on the breadcrumbs, so feel free to follow your heart on that one.
If you’re looking to elevate your Super Bowl spread and score big with your guests, Tini Younger’s viral mac and cheese is the ultimate play. Trust me, it’s a winner!
Read More About This Story:
- This is the only mac and cheese recipe you need for Super Bowl weekend (businessinsider.com)