Don't Just Scroll, Cook! 5 Viral TikTok Recipes You Actually Need to Try
You've seen them in your "For You" feed, you've heard the trending audio, and you've probably wondered, "Is it actually any good?" We're here to tell you: YES! We've rounded up the 5 most iconic viral TikTok recipes that broke the internet and are now modern classics. From the ridiculously easy Baked Feta Pasta to the dreamy Dalgona Coffee, get ready to finally make the food everyone's been talking about.
Don't Just Scroll, Cook! 5 Viral TikTok Recipes You Actually Need to Try
The TikTok "For You" page is more than just dances and funny sounds—it's become one of the biggest sources of food inspiration on the planet. A single 60-second video can launch a recipe into superstardom, causing grocery stores to sell out of ingredients and inspiring millions to get in the kitchen.
But which ones are worth the hype? We’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the certified bangers—the viral recipes that are not only fun to watch but are genuinely delicious and easy to make. It's time to stop scrolling and start cooking!
1. The Legendary Baked Feta Pasta
This recipe defined the term 'viral food.' Its appeal was pure genius: minimal effort for maximum reward. The visual magic of a whole block of feta melting into a creamy, luscious tomato sauce with almost no active cooking time made it irresistible. It was so popular it literally caused feta shortages in stores across the US!
Ingredients:
8 oz block of Feta Cheese
2 pints (about 4 cups) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
4 cloves Garlic, peeled
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
12 oz Pasta (like rotini, penne, or shells)
Fresh Basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the block of feta in the center of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves around the feta.
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using) and season with salt and pepper.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden.
While it bakes, cook your pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Once the feta is out of the oven, immediately mash the feta, garlic, and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce. Stir until combined.
Add the cooked pasta and fresh basil to the baking dish. Stir to coat everything in the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it seems too dry. Serve immediately!
2. Gigi Hadid's Spicy Vodka Pasta
When a supermodel like Gigi Hadid shares a recipe, people pay attention. This one went viral because it was the perfect "comfort food but make it fashion." It felt sophisticated with its vodka sauce base but was surprisingly simple to make on a weeknight. The creamy, dreamy texture and perfect blush-orange color made it a visual hit on everyone's feed.
Ingredients:
1 lb pasta (like rigatoni or shells)
1/4 cup Olive Oil
1 small Shallot or 1/4 Red Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1/4 cup Tomato Paste
1/2 cup Heavy Cream
1 tbsp Vodka (can be omitted or replaced with a squeeze of lemon juice)
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (or more, to taste)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
2 tbsp Butter
Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the shallot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the tomato paste and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 5 minutes until the paste is darkened and caramelized.
Stir in the vodka (if using) and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir until you have a smooth, creamy pink sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese until melted.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan.
3. The Dreamy Dalgona Coffee (Whipped Coffee)
This was the official drink of the 2020 lockdown era. Dalgona Coffee exploded because it was pure ASMR magic and an affordable café-style treat to make at home. The process of watching instant coffee, sugar, and water transform into a velvety, thick foam was mesmerizing, and it became a global challenge to see who could whip it best.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp Instant Coffee Granules
2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
2 tbsp Hot Water
Ice
Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
Instructions:
In a medium bowl, combine the instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.
Using a hand mixer, stand mixer, or a simple whisk and some serious elbow grease, whip the mixture until it becomes light, airy, and forms stiff peaks. This can take anywhere from 3 to 8 minutes.
Fill a glass with ice and pour in milk until it's about two-thirds full.
Spoon the fluffy whipped coffee mixture on top of the milk.
Snap a picture, then stir it all together and enjoy!
4. The Fluffy 3-Ingredient Cloud Bread
Cloud Bread was a sensation because it looked like something out of a fairytale. With its vibrant colors and unbelievably fluffy, cotton-candy-like texture, it was made for video. It tapped into the cottagecore aesthetic and the desire for simple, magical DIY projects. Plus, with only three ingredients, it was accessible for everyone to try.
Ingredients:
3 large Egg Whites
2 1/2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
1 tbsp Cornstarch
Food coloring (optional, but highly encouraged!)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a very clean, dry bowl, add the egg whites. Using an electric mixer, beat on high until they become foamy.
Gradually add the sugar while continuing to beat. Once all the sugar is in, add the cornstarch.
Continue to beat on high until the mixture forms very stiff, glossy peaks. When you lift the beater, the peak should stand straight up without drooping. This is the most important step!
If using food coloring, gently fold in a few drops now.
Spoon the meringue mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet, forming it into a dome or loaf shape.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until it's lightly golden on the outside and firm to the touch. Let it cool before slicing or pulling apart.
5. The Refreshing "Nature's Cereal"
Made famous by Lizzo, this "recipe" went viral because of its simplicity and the debate it sparked: is it really cereal? This mix of fresh berries, pomegranate seeds, and coconut water was touted as a super refreshing and hydrating breakfast. Its vibrant, jewel-toned colors made it visually stunning in a bowl, prompting millions to try the healthy trend.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup Pomegranate Arils (seeds)
1/4 cup Blueberries
A handful of other berries or fruits of your choice (like raspberries or chopped strawberries)
Coconut Water
Ice cubes (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all your fruits in a bowl.
Add a few ice cubes if you want it extra cold.
Pour coconut water over the fruit, just like you would with milk on cereal.
Eat with a spoon and feel incredibly refreshed!
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