Macaroni and Cheese with a Kick Rsc

Turn up the heat on comfort food with this irresistible Macaroni and Cheese with a Kick! This creamy, cheesy classic gets a flavor-packed twist with a trio of melted cheeses—sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan—enhanced by the bold spices of garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Optional diced jalapeño adds an extra fiery touch for spice lovers. Topped with golden, crispy panko breadcrumbs, this oven-baked dish perfectly balances creamy indulgence with a crunchy finish. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Perfect for those searching for spicy macaroni and cheese recipes or cheesy comfort food with a twist, this dish will leave everyone coming back for seconds!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1.5 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat and stir frequently until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Stir in the dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Step 7

For an extra kick, stir in the diced jalapeño, if using.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 10

In a small bowl, toss the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.

Step 12

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy your spicy macaroni and cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2052.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5665.5

Total Fat 323.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 180.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 881.8mg	0%
Sodium 6203.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 462.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.2g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 208.4g	0%

Vitamin D 406.1IU	0%
Calcium 4186.4mg	0%
Iron 22.6mg	0%
Potassium 1607.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.0%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 33.1%