Go Back
- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup whole milk - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - Salt and black pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients to make the TikTok viral mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni serves as the base for a creamy and cheesy dish. Sharp cheddar gives it that classic flavor. The mozzarella adds a stretchy texture, and cream cheese makes it extra rich. You will also need whole milk and unsalted butter for the cheese sauce. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth to the flavor. Dijon mustard adds a slight tang that balances the cheese. Finally, breadcrumbs on top create a crunchy layer, while fresh parsley gives a splash of color. This combination of ingredients makes a dish that is both simple and delightful. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Cook macaroni until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes. Start by filling a large pot with water and adding about a tablespoon of salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Once the water boils, add the elbow macaroni. Stir it a little to keep it from sticking. When the time is up, drain the macaroni in a colander. Rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and set it aside. - Melt butter and mix in cream cheese. - Gradually add whole milk and seasonings. In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Be careful not to let it brown. Once melted, add the softened cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Now, slowly add the whole milk, mixing as you go. This keeps your sauce creamy. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Stir well. Allow this to heat for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens. - Add shredded cheeses and mix until melted. - Stir in cooked macaroni until fully coated. Turn the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese, one handful at a time. Keep stirring until each bit melts. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Next, add the cooked macaroni back to the pot. Stir gently until every piece is coated in that creamy cheese sauce. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish. While mixing the macaroni and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Then, pour the delicious mac and cheese into the dish, spreading it out evenly. - Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. - Sprinkle topping and bake until golden brown. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter. This adds flavor and helps it crisp up. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden brown and crispy. To get the best cheese sauce, you need to soften the cream cheese first. This helps it blend easily with the butter. Make sure to stir consistently to avoid any lumps. A smooth sauce creates a better texture for your mac and cheese. For a crispy top finish, I recommend using a broiler during the last few minutes of baking. This gives you that golden crust we all love. You can also cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning while it bakes. This keeps the mac and cheese creamy inside. I love serving this mac and cheese in cute individual bowls. It makes each serving feel special. You can also pair it with a light salad for a balanced meal. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the cheese perfectly. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and creaminess, opt for high-quality cheeses. Sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella deliver a rich taste that elevates your mac and cheese. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni until just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, preventing a mushy texture in your final dish. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor profile. Combining cheeses can create a more complex taste. Add Extra Flavor: Incorporate additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick, or stir in sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition. {{image_4}} You can make your mac and cheese even better! Here are some tasty ideas: - Add cooked bacon or ham for a protein punch. This adds flavor and a nice crunch. - Include sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. This makes the dish colorful and adds nutrients. Switching up the cheese is fun! Here are some suggestions: - Experiment with different cheese blends. Try gouda or fontina for a creamier taste. - Add pepper jack for a spicy kick. This will wake up your taste buds! If you need to change things for diets, no problem! Here’s how: - Use gluten-free pasta if you are gluten-sensitive. Many brands offer great options today. - Swap dairy for non-dairy cream cheese and milk. This works well for vegan diets. Feel free to mix and match these ideas. Your mac and cheese will be a hit every time! Cool the mac and cheese completely before you store it. This step helps keep the texture nice. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, make sure to check for any off smells before eating. For longer storage, transfer the mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers. This will keep it safe and tasty for up to three months. When you want to eat it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This slow thaw helps maintain the flavor and texture. Reheat the mac and cheese in the oven for the best texture. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until warmed through. If the macaroni seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating. This little trick brings back the creaminess. Enjoy your cheesy delight again! This mac and cheese became viral due to TikTok. Users share their unique spins on the recipe. The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it irresistible. People love how easy it is to make. Watching others enjoy it makes you want to try it too. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and cheese sauce, then combine them. Place the mixture in a baking dish and cover it. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just pop it in the oven before serving, and you are good to go. To make mac and cheese creamier, add more cheese. You can also add a splash of heavy cream. Mixing in either of these ingredients before baking will help. This will give your dish a smooth and rich texture that everyone will love. If you want to switch things up, use pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. These alternatives work well with the cheese sauce. You can also use gluten-free pasta if needed. Each option will give you a delicious mac and cheese. This recipe for mac and cheese blends classic ingredients into a creamy dish. From the elbow macaroni and cheeses to the tasty seasonings, each step adds flavor. Baking gives it a crispy top. You can make it your own by adding proteins or veggies. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for later. Enjoy this comforting meal any time. It’s sure to become a favorite.

TikTok Sensational Mac & Cheese

A creamy and cheesy macaroni dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • 1 2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically about 7-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly in a colander and set it aside.
  • In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, ensuring it does not brown. Once melted, add the softened cream cheese and stir until it’s smooth and well combined. Gradually pour in the whole milk, stirring consistently. Then, incorporate the garlic powder, onion powder, and Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to heat gently, stirring often, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the pot, a handful at a time, stirring continuously until each addition melts completely and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Season the cheese mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Carefully add the drained macaroni back into the pot with the cheese sauce. Gently stir to ensure every piece of macaroni is blissfully coated in that luscious cheese mixture.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or any similar sized dish, and transfer the creamy mac and cheese mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a small drizzle of melted butter for added flavor and richness. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese, ensuring a good covering to achieve that crispy finish.
  • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a delightful crisp has formed.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls or directly from the baking dish for a homey vibe.
Keyword cheesy pasta, comfort food, mac and cheese