Super Spicy Mac And Cheese Recipe

This spicy mac and cheese is made with cheddar cheese, a rich roux, and a blend of spicy ingredients like jalapeños and cayenne pepper. The result is a fiery and creamy dish with a satisfying kick that will warm you from the inside out. It’s the perfect cozy comfort food for a chilly evening and a generous main dish that serves 4-6 people.

Super Spicy Mac And Cheese Ingredients

For the Spicy Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (or to taste)
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or other small pasta For the Topping:
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

How To Make Super Spicy Mac And Cheese

1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it is just shy of al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture smells nutty. This is called a roux, and it is the base for a thick sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
3. Create the spicy sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, whisking often, until it has thickened. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the cayenne pepper, mustard powder, diced jalapeño, roasted red peppers, and hot sauce. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine the pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is coated evenly.
5. Prepare the topping and bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat: The seeds and white membrane inside a jalapeño contain most of the spice. If you prefer a milder dish, be sure to remove them completely before dicing the pepper.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your cheese sauce grainy. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, it is always best to shred your own cheese from a block.
• Don’t use cold milk: To avoid lumps in your roux, use room temperature or slightly warmed milk. Adding cold milk to a hot roux can cause the flour to seize up and clump together.
• Use different peppers: Feel free to adjust the spice level by using different types of peppers. A habanero will give you a much hotter sauce, while a milder poblano pepper will give a smokier flavor with less heat.

What To Serve Super Spicy Mac And Cheese

The intense heat and creaminess of this mac and cheese are well-balanced by simple, cool side dishes. A crisp, cool coleslaw or a fresh green salad with a light, vinegary dressing would be a great contrast. For a more filling meal, you can serve it alongside juicy grilled chicken or a rich, slow-cooked pulled pork.

How To Store Super Spicy Mac And Cheese Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you may need to add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.
• Freeze: This dish freezes well. Transfer the cooled mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Super Spicy Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Total Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 20g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this recipe on the stove without baking? Yes, you can. Simply make the cheese sauce as instructed, then stir in the pasta and serve immediately. Skip the breadcrumb topping and baking step for a delicious stovetop version.
• What kind of cheese should I use? The best cheeses for a smooth mac and cheese sauce are those that melt well. Sharp cheddar is a classic for its flavor, while a good melting cheese like Gruyère or Monterey Jack helps the sauce become extra creamy.
• How can I make this even spicier? For a hotter dish, you can add more cayenne pepper or a spicier hot sauce. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a habanero pepper instead of a jalapeño.

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