1. Thou shalt bake thy mac and cheese.
2. Thou shalt use no fewer than three cheeses.
3. Thou shalt not meddle with tradition.

But then this viral mac and cheese came along, and it didn’t just break the rules—it shattered the internet. Created by the culinary genius @TinekeYounger, this recipe has amassed over 10 million likes and a staggering 90 million plays. With that kind of hype, I couldn’t resist. I grabbed my apron, stocked up on ingredients, and prepared to face the ultimate mac and cheese showdown.

The Recipe That Broke the Internet

The ingredient list is extensive, but let me tell you, every single item is worth its weight in gold. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb cooked Cavatappi pasta (because fancy pasta deserves fancy cheese)
• 16 oz each of grated mozzarella and Colby Jack (the dynamic duo of melty goodness)
• 8 oz grated cheddar (for that sharp, tangy kick)
• Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper (because seasoning is non-negotiable)
• Butter, flour, evaporated milk, heavy cream, Dijon mustard (the secret weapons of creamy perfection)

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Or, if you’re lazy like me, grab a disposable aluminum tray.
2. Cook and strain the pasta, then set it aside to cool while you channel your inner cheese wizard.
3. Shred your cheeses and divide them into two bowls. Trust me, this step is crucial.
4. Mix your seasonings in a small bowl. Don’t skimp—this is where the magic happens.
5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in half the seasonings and flour until it forms a thick, paste-like consistency.
6. Add evaporated milk and whisk like your life depends on it. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens into a velvety sauce.
7. Pour in heavy cream and the remaining seasoning, then whisk in Dijon mustard. This is the point where your kitchen starts smelling like a cheese lover’s paradise.
8. Gradually add cheese from one bowl, stirring constantly until it melts into the sauce. Patience is key here—dump it all in at once, and you’ll end up with a lumpy, unforgivable mess.
9. Toss the pasta in the sauce until every single noodle is coated in cheesy glory.
10. Layer the pasta and remaining cheese in the baking dish. Repeat until all the pasta and cheese are used up.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For that extra oomph, broil for 2 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy top.

The Verdict

This isn’t just mac and cheese—it’s a revelation. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of dish that makes you question everything you thought you knew about comfort food. I planned to serve it as a side dish, but one bite turned it into the star of the show.