Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe — Upgraded

Recently I came across what might be the most viral mac and cheese recipe on TikTok. It’s a creamy, baked version by Tini Younger that’s racked up over 139 million views — and I had to try it. But in true Barry fashion, I couldn’t stop there. I made her viral mac and cheese recipe, then I upgraded it.

You can watch the original TikTok here:
https://www.tiktok.com/@tinekeyounger/video/7432820403464146219

The original is rich and melty with mozzarella, cheddar, and Colby Jack (I used Double Gloucester in that one), blended into a roux with evaporated milk and cream. It’s a solid mac and cheese, but I wanted to build in more flavour and texture — and that’s where this upgraded version comes in.

Now, is it still a mac and cheese if I used giant conchiglioni shells instead of traditional macaroni? Maybe not. But the TikTok version used spirali pasta, so I figured I had permission to go big. These oversized shells scoop up the sauce like little buckets, and every bite is packed with flavour. That alone makes this viral mac and cheese recipe worth the upgrade.

To take it even further, I added smoky bacon, a splash of dark ale, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, a crispy topping, and a pinch of MSG. It sounds like a lot, but it all works together to boost the savoury depth without overpowering the creamy base.

If you’ve never used MSG or you’re curious about it, I made a full taste test video explaining what it does and how it actually improves flavour without being overwhelming. Check it out here:
https://www.barrylewis.net/video/msg-taste-test

How to Make This Viral Mac and Cheese Recipe — With a Twist

This upgraded viral mac and cheese recipe starts with the classic roux base, but it builds on it with bold ingredients that elevate the final result. Here’s how to bring it all together:

1. Cook the bacon

Start by frying smoked streaky bacon until it’s golden and crisp. Set it aside on kitchen paper and save a spoonful of the bacon fat — you’ll need it for the roux.

2. Boil the pasta

Boil conchiglioni pasta in salted water with a chicken stock cube for added flavour. Cook until just al dente, then drain. No rinsing — you want the starch to help the sauce stick.

3. Make the roux

In a saucepan, melt butter and a spoonful of bacon fat. Stir in flour and cook for a minute to create a smooth paste. Slowly whisk in evaporated milk and double cream until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Add flavour

Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, mustard powder, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, and a splash of ale. Add a pinch of MSG and let the mixture bubble gently to develop flavour.

5. Melt the cheese

Reduce heat and stir in the grated mozzarella, cheddar, and Red Leicester until smooth and silky.

6. Combine and build

Fold in the cooked pasta and half of the crispy bacon. Pour into a greased baking dish. Top with the rest of the bacon and a mixture of Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs.

7. Bake and garnish

Bake until golden and bubbling. Finish under the grill for a crunchy top if desired. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then scatter with chopped chives before serving.

You can watch the full video where I recreate and upgrade the most viewed mac and cheese on TikTok above or here:
Watch on YouTube

This viral mac and cheese recipe was already pretty tasty — but with a few upgrades, it’s next level. Let me know if you give it a go, and feel free to put your own spin on it too.