Spicy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Spicy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni, a bold twist on a classic favorite! This recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a decadent, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and spicy pepper jack cheeses, elevated by a hint of garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper for a satisfying kick. Topped with golden, Parmesan-enriched panko breadcrumbs, this baked mac and cheese boasts a delightful crunch and a fiery flavor profile that's perfect for spice lovers. Whether you're hosting a gathering or treating your family to a cozy dinner, this baked pasta dish is sure to impress. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, it's a must-try for fans of rich and spicy comfort food!
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Recipe Information
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 mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1.5 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and 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, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps remain. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper jack cheeses, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until fully incorporated.
Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently stir to fully coat every piece.
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Spicy Three Cheese Baked Macaroni!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6678 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 399.0 g | 512% | |
| Saturated Fat | 225.1 g | 1126% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1131 mg | 377% | |
| Sodium | 7686 mg | 334% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 496.2 g | 180% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 22.0 g | 79% | |
| Total Sugars | 64.8 g | ||
| Protein | 255.4 g | 511% | |
| Vitamin D | 10.2 mcg | 51% | |
| Calcium | 5525 mg | 425% | |
| Iron | 25.9 mg | 144% | |
| Potassium | 1895 mg | 40% | |
*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.
