Description
Spicy mac and cheese brings creamy comfort with a fiery kick. Cheese lovers will enjoy this zesty twist on classic comfort food that delivers bold flavors and satisfying warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Pasta and Base Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Spice and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup pickled jalapenos (optional, chopped)
- Hot sauce (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking constantly for 2 minutes to develop a golden roux and eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour milk and heavy cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps and create a silky smooth mixture.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, tasting and adjusting spice levels as needed.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the spicy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly and generously coated.
- Optional: Mix in chopped pickled jalapenos for an extra kick of heat and tangy flavor.
- Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot, garnishing with additional hot sauce or fresh jalapeno slices for those craving more intensity.
Notes
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper amount for milder or spicier preferences.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere or gouda for unique flavor profiles.
- Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a celiac-friendly version without compromising creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by mixing in cooked chicken, crispy bacon, or diced ham for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 671 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 1590 mg
- Fat: 44 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg