To make this viral TikTok mac & cheese recipe, begin by filling a pan halfway with water, placing it over high heat, and bringing the water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook until they are just al dente.
While your pasta is boiling, shred your cheese.
When the pasta has finished boiling, drain the pasta water.
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
Take a 9 x 13 baking dish, and spray it with cooking spray, or brush it with butter. Pour you’re drained noodles into the pan along with 2 tablespoons of butter. Press the butter into the noodles so that it melts.
In a skillet over medium-high heat combine the remaining butter with garlic. When the butter is melted, sprinkle it with all-purpose flour. Stir until the mixture has thickened, (at least one minute).
Add half-and-half and heavy cream to the mixture. Whisk vigorously until combined. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture begins to steam. Be careful that you do not scald the dairy. Heat it so that it is just shy of a boil, but do not boil.
When the mixture is steaming, remove it from the heat and add in the shredded cheese, reserving 2 cups of the shredded cheese for the topping. Add seasonings, and stir until the cheese is combined and melted.
Once your cheese sauce is prepared, pour it over your boiled noodles. Stir until all the noodles are coated well in the cheese sauce.
Smooth out your mac & cheese, then top with remaining shredded cheese.
Bake at 425°F for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbling and has begun to brown.
To further brown your mac & cheese, turn the oven to low broil, and broil for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the top is as golden as you prefer. Be sure to keep a close eye on it while boiling so that you do not burn the mac & cheese.
When the mac & cheese is done, remove it from the oven, sprinkle with parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.