Enjoy our tasty Spicy Mac and Cheese recipe, a comforting and delicious dish with an extra taste of spiciness to take it to the next level. It’s one of my favorite dishes. I used cheesy cheddar and pepper jack cheese for this spicy mac and cheese recipe and seasoned perfectly balanced spices for a spicy kick. Have a simple and smooth cheese sauce generously poured over soft elbow macaroni with extra ceremonial toppings of crunchy breadcrumbs. That taste is satisfying and enhances the otherwise familiar comfort meal with a blast of spice.
Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 30 minutes Total time: 45 -50 minutes
This spicy mac and cheese recipe is made with exotic cheese, spices, and herbs that give it an aromatic flavor. A combination of cheese and mac is the next level of happiness that no one can resist. Similar to the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe, this recipe guarantees to satisfy your cravings. Spicy Mac And Cheese is an incredibly delicious recipe that will delight your taste buds.
Spicy Mac And Cheese Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil and cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese sauce.
- In a large saucepan, dissolve the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of butter for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Blend in the 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream.
- Stir continuously, ensuring no lumps form.
- Whisk often until the mixture thickens.
- Add cheese and seasonings:
- Reduce the flame to low.
- Add the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add mustard powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle with salt and black pepper, to taste.
- Combine the pasta and sauce:
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and stir until well-coated.
- Bake for a Crispy Topping (optional):
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a baking sheet and add the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Garnish with 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Spicy Mac and Cheese Calories:
2 cups elbow macaroni: approximately 400 calories
Per Serving Estimate (Assuming 6 servings):
2 tablespoons butter: approximately 200 calories
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: approximately 60 calories
2 cups milk: approximately 300 calories
1 cup heavy cream: approximately 400 calories
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: approximately 800 calories
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese: approximately 400 calories
1 teaspoon mustard powder: approximately 5 calories
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: approximately 3 calories
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: approximately 1 calorie
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: approximately 2 calories
1/4 teaspoon onion powder: approximately 2 calories
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: approximately 210 calories
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): approximately 150 calories
1 tablespoon olive oil (for breadcrumbs): approximately 120 calories
Spicy Mac And Cheese recipe without breadcrumbs: 394 calories per serving
Spicy Mac And Cheese recipe with breadcrumbs: 440 calories per serving
Is Mac and Cheese a comfort food?
Yes, spicy mac and cheese is a super comfort food. Its gooey, cheesy goodness makes it a beloved choice for many, whether enjoying a simple weeknight meal or dressing it up for a festive occasion. Mac and cheese may be a standard side dish on Thanksgiving and equally OK to devour at 3 a.m. if one has spent the night partying. This characteristic is why its usage can easily be adjusted to any given preference or event, as it is a food that can be consumed at all times of the day and in any place.
This spicy mac and cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy base with an added spicy kick, elevating the classic dish to a new level of flavor. Have time to taste this delicious finger-licking mac and cheese recipe on your day and enjoy the moment with your friends and family.
