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This Tik Tok mac and cheese recipe will change the way you make the classic comfort food. No boiling needed as it all cooks together in one baking dish!
Think boxed mac and cheese is the easiest way to satisfy those cheesy pasta cravings? This viral mac and cheese recipe is here to say, hold that thought (and maybe put down the box!)
This TikTok mac and cheese recipe is just as easy, and the result is definitely dreamier!
You don’t need to boil the pasta. Just add everything to the baking dish, and you’ll end up with al dente macaroni in a creamy, melty cheese sauce.
Enjoy a comforting bowl and appreciate the empty kitchen sink. No pots or strainers to deal with!
Turns out Tik Tok dinner recipes actually work.
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Let’s upgrade your DIY mac and cheese rotation with recipes like skillet bacon mac and cheese and Cracker Barrel mac and cheese! Because there’s no such thing as too many mac and cheese recipes in your back pocket, am I right?
Why You’ll Love This Tik Tok Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Ridiculously simple and foolproof, this viral mac and cheese recipe actually lives up to the hype!
- This TikTok mac and cheese recipe is all done in a single baking dish, which makes clean-up a breeze.
- Rich, velvety, and just pure comfort in a bowl, this Tik Tok mac and cheese recipe makes the perfect crowd-pleasing dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni pasta – The perfect noodles for trapping all that creamy cheese sauce!
American cheese and sharp cheddar cheese – Feel free to combine different kinds of cheese to achieve your dream flavor for this viral TikTok mac and cheese.
Heavy cream – We haven’t tried alternatives like evaporated milk yet, so stick with heavy whipping cream for the perfect sauce consistency.
Water – We’ll add just enough to help the pasta cook beautifully.
Unsalted butter –No need to melt it separately. Pop butter in the corners, and it will cover everything as it melts.
Salt and ground black pepper – Make the dish your own with your favorite seasoning mix!
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For the Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe
Pasta shapes
Cavatappi has a fun spiral shape that’s also perfect for the rich and creamy cheese sauce.
Cheese blends
Make this viral Tik Tok mac and cheese with your favorite cheese blend! You can try a combination of Monterey Jack, Gouda, and Gruyere or Colby Jack and mozzarella cheese for a decadent experience.
Mix-ins
Because this TikTok mac and cheese hack is super easy, it’s the perfect base for fun additions! Stir grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, steamed broccoli, or poached lobster into the pasta mixture before serving.
Tips For Making This Recipe
Shred the Cheese Yourself
For a silky-smooth sauce, skip the pre-shredded cheese and shred it yourself! The extra ingredients in pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Get Perfectly Cooked Pasta
Make sure every noodle gets coated with the heavy cream. You can also push any noodles that are sticking out down into the cream.
Toppings to Try
Add a satisfying, crunchy contrast to this viral, creamy macaroni and cheese! Serve it with crushed Ritz crackers, bacon bits, buttered Panko bread crumbs, or fried onions on top.
Viral Tiktok Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs
What else can I add to this viral TikTok mac and cheese recipe?
You can make this Tiktok baked mac and cheese extra satisfying with additions like cooked ground beef, leftover chicken barbecue, spicy Italian sausage slices, caramelized onions, or even salsa!
Do you have to boil pasta for mac and cheese?
You don’t need to boil your macaroni for this Tik Tok mac and cheese recipe. Just add the uncooked pasta to the baking dish!
What to add to Tik Tok macaroni and cheese to make it taste better?
Give this Tik Tok mac and cheese depth with garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika! You can also cut through the richness of the cheesy, buttery sauce with nutmeg, Dijon mustard, or cayenne.
How do I make this mac and cheese recipe from TikTok thicker?
For this viral mac and cheese hack, allow it to rest for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven so it thickens naturally. No extra ingredients needed!
Can you freeze this viral mac & cheese?
We haven’t tried freezing this TikTok baked mac and cheese, so it’s hard to say whether it’ll get grainy when reheated. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days!
More Delicious Comfort Foods
- Red Velvet Waffles and Chicken
- Stovetop Chicken Noodle Soup
- Caramel Apple Pancakes
- Best Damn Chili
- Libby’s Pumpkin Pie
I found this recipe for Classic Macaroni Salad that I HAVE to try!
Yay! You have made it this far, and I am so glad! Hey – If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a quick review & star rating ★ below.
Tik Tok Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 16 oz American cheese
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup water
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients for the viral TikTok mac and cheese.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place the block of cheese in the center of a 9×13-inch baking pan, then pour the elbow pasta around it.
- Pour the heavy cream over the pasta, making sure your elbows are covered.
- Add the water, salt, and pepper. Then, put a tablespoon of butter in each corner of the baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil.
- Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir. Add the remaining cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and everything comes together.
Notes
- For a silky-smooth sauce, skip the pre-shredded cheese and shred it yourself! The extra ingredients in pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
- Make sure every noodle gets coated with the heavy cream. You can also push any noodles that are sticking out down into the cream.
- Add a satisfying, crunchy contrast to this viral, creamy macaroni and cheese! Serve it with crushed Ritz crackers, bacon bits, buttered Panko bread crumbs, or fried onions on top.
Nutrition
PIN FOR LATER!
