Honest Review
Tini’s Viral Mac & Cheese
This Thanksgiving I wanted to try Tini’s Viral TikTok Mac & Cheese. Of course I needed to try it out before turkey day to see if it qualified.
Let’s break down some prices all items were purchased from Kroger.
• 1lb box of Cavatappi pasta $2.00
•1lb Colby Jack Cheese $2.49
•1lb Sharp Cheddar $3.69
•1lb Mozzarella Cheese $7.99
•1 pint Heavy Cream $3.39
•1 can Evaporated Milk $1.99
total of $21.55 I bought other items while on this shopping trip but be prepared to spend at least $25 depending on your location.
Cook time was about 30 mins with an additional 30 mins for prep.
Taste 🧀🍝
My rating: 5/10 (I felt as though it was too cheesy and I did not like the roux but this could be a me problem considering I’m not the best cook)
My boyfriend: 7/10 (my boyfriend thought the taste was great but he has had better mac and cheese)
With all of these factors in mind my
Overall rating: 7/10
It didn’t take too long to prepare and the recipe was fairly easy to follow. Would I make this for my family thanksgiving?…Simple answer is no. I don’t feel as though I would make others happy with this recipe as it didn’t blow my mind. But it was a yummy try for fun! 🤩 #thanksgivingfood #foodiethanksgiving #foodreview
After trying Tini's Viral Mac & Cheese, it got me thinking a lot about what makes a mac and cheese truly special, especially for a big event like Thanksgiving! While the viral recipe was a fun try, I realized there are so many ways to elevate your homemade mac and cheese to be absolutely unforgettable. One thing I learned from my experience is that sometimes 'too cheesy' can be a thing! If you're like me and prefer a more balanced flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses with different profiles. Instead of just sharp cheddar and Colby Jack, try adding some Gruyere for nuttiness, or a touch of smoked Gouda for depth. A little cream cheese can also make it super smooth without overwhelming the cheese flavor. And for that perfect creamy sauce, getting the roux right is key – a smooth, lump-free roux made with butter and flour is the foundation. If yours turns out a bit off, don't worry, it happens! Whisking constantly and adding milk gradually helps. For Thanksgiving, presentation is also super important. We all want that beautiful, golden-brown, bubbly mac and cheese coming out of the baking dish! To achieve this, a sprinkle of extra cheese (like Parmesan or even more cheddar) and some breadcrumbs on top before baking can create that irresistible crust. You can also bake it uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to get that perfect crisp. Make-ahead tips are also a lifesaver; you can assemble the mac and cheese the day before and bake it fresh on Thanksgiving, just add a little extra milk or cream if it seems too thick before baking. If you're looking for other viral mac and cheese recipes that might be more of a crowd-pleaser, I've heard amazing things about recipes that incorporate secret ingredients like a touch of mustard powder, or even a splash of hot sauce for a subtle kick. Some people swear by using a mix of evaporated milk and heavy cream (just like Tini's recipe!) for extra creaminess, but ensuring the proportions are right can make all the difference. It's all about finding that perfect balance of flavor and texture that makes everyone want a second helping!
...thinking leave out the mozzarella