Spicy Mac N Cheese
Turn up the heat on comfort food with this bold and flavorful Spicy Mac N Cheese! Perfectly al dente elbow macaroni is coated in a creamy trifecta of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, then infused with an irresistible kick of spice from fresh jalapeños, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and a dash of hot sauce. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, this dish combines velvety smoothness with satisfying texture in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this baked mac n cheese is ideal for weeknight dinners or as a standout side dish at your next gathering. If you're searching for the ultimate cheesy, spicy, and savory comfort food recipe, this one serves up all the indulgence you crave with a fiery twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden to create a roux.
Slowly add the milk and cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if using). Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil, stirring until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac n cheese in an even layer.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your spicy mac n cheese with an extra drizzle of hot sauce if desired!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
932 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 55.1 g | 71% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.2 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 146 mg | 49% | |
| Sodium | 994 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 79.1 g | 29% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 29.6 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.4 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 553 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 325 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.
