Spicy Baked Macaroni
Elevate your comfort food game with this Spicy Baked Macaroni—an irresistible twist on the classic baked mac and cheese. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in a creamy, three-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan, delivering a rich, velvety texture with every bite. The dish gets its signature kick from bold spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, creating a warming spice that will tantalize your taste buds. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust for added crunch and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, this baked macaroni is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy yet gourmet dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cayenne pepper, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
740 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.0 g | 51% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.7 g | 114% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 103 mg | 34% | |
| Sodium | 1099 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.0 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 33.1 g | 66% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 717 mg | 55% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 346 mg | 7% | |
*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.
