Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe: Chef’s Secret to Avoiding a Soupy Disaster

Social media chef Tineye “Tini” Younger has a crucial tip for home cooks attempting her viral mac and cheese. Her Thanksgiving side dish recipe has amassed over 103 million views on TikTok. Now, she is revealing the single most common mistake people make.

The 24-year-old culinary star exclusively told E! News that patience is the ultimate key to success. Rushing the process, she warns, is a surefire way to ruin the entire dish.

The Critical Step Most Home Cooks Miss

Tini’s recipe uses a significant amount of liquid, including one can of evaporated milk and two cups of heavy cream. She insists you must pour the liquids in slowly. Then, you have to let the mixture cook properly to achieve the perfect consistency.

She has noticed many recreations fail because people combine ingredients too fast. This often leads to a soupy, unappetizing result. According to Tini, the solution is simple. Go slow, be patient, and taste as you go.

Her advice extends beyond just technique. She emphasizes that her seasoning measurements are a guide, not a strict rule. Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjusting garlic powder or smoked paprika to personal preference is encouraged.

Broader Holiday Cooking Philosophy and Charitable Work

For other holiday dishes, Tini advises beginners to keep it simple. She suggests not overloading your menu with complex, from-scratch items. It is perfectly acceptable to use store-bought components for some dishes.

She also recommends prepping as much as possible the day before Thanksgiving. This planning makes the actual day far less stressful. Focus on perfecting two impressive dishes and simplify the rest.

Beyond cooking tips, Tini partnered with HelloFresh for a charitable initiative. From November 8 to 15, limited-edition meal kits will benefit No Kid Hungry. Proceeds of up to $50,000 will help fight child hunger.

She expressed deep personal commitment to the cause. Tini already volunteers at a women’s shelter and sees the need firsthand. Using her platform to promote No Kid Hungry during the expensive holiday season felt authentic and important to her.

Mastering the viral mac and cheese recipe requires more than just ingredients; it demands patience and practice. By following Tini’s crucial advice, home cooks can avoid a common kitchen failure and create a truly memorable dish for their holiday table.

Info at your fingertips

What is the most common mistake with the viral mac and cheese?

People add the liquid ingredients too quickly. This impatience leads to a soupy consistency instead of a creamy, thick sauce. Tini advises a slow pour and patient cooking.

Can I change the seasonings in the recipe?

Yes, Tini actively encourages adjusting seasonings to your taste. She says everyone’s palate is different, so you should taste as you go and add more garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired.

How many views has the recipe received?

The viral mac and cheese recipe has garnered over 103 million views on TikTok. This massive number highlights its immense popularity and the widespread attempts to recreate it.

What is Tini’s general advice for Thanksgiving cooking?

She recommends not overcomplicating the menu. Prep items the day before and focus on perfecting just two or three standout dishes. It is okay to use store-bought items for other parts of the meal.

What charity is Tini currently supporting?

She partnered with HelloFresh on a campaign supporting No Kid Hungry. The initiative involves special meal kits, with proceeds helping to provide meals for children facing food insecurity.