spicy mac n cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
spicy mac n cheese recipe
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The Best spicy mac n cheese recipe

I’ve always been a fan of macaroni and cheese, and when I discovered this spicy version, I was hooked. The addition of hot sauce gives it a kick that my family loves. We like to serve it at family gatherings and potlucks, and it’s always a hit.

My kids, who can be picky eaters, devour this dish in seconds. It’s a perfect comfort food for a cold winter night or a quick weeknight dinner. I’ve even served it at holiday gatherings, and everyone raves about it.

I think what makes this recipe so special is the combination of creamy pasta, tangy cheese, and a hint of spice. It’s not too spicy for kids, but still packs enough heat to satisfy adults. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just mix all the ingredients together and bake until golden brown.

I love that it’s a one-dish meal that can be made ahead of time and reheated later. My family never gets tired of it, and neither do I! One thing that sets this recipe apart from other macaroni and cheese recipes is the use of hot sauce.

It adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to get from just cheese and pasta alone. The type of hot sauce you use will affect the flavor, so feel free to experiment with different brands and types until you find one you love. I’ve used Tabasco, Frank’s RedHot, and even sriracha – all work beautifully in this recipe.

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Spicy Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1229 votes

This spicy mac and cheese combines creamy cheddar with a kick from jalapenos and cayenne pepper. The dish is baked until bubbly and golden for a comforting meal with a fiery twist.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tbsp salt for water

For the Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Spicy Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 jalapeno, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
4Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
5In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
6Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and golden.
7Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
8Continue whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5 minutes.
9Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
10Stir in the cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
11Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
12Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
13In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
14Arrange the sliced jalapeno on top and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
15Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly around the edges.
16Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 14g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For extra heat, add more cayenne pepper or use habanero cheese. You can also substitute gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Mac and Cheese Works

This spicy mac n cheese recipe has become a staple in our household – we love serving it at family gatherings and potlucks.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we’ve served it as a main course, side dish, or even as a snack.

And don’t worry if you have leftovers – they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven for up to 24 hours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Mac and Cheese

Q1: What kind of hot sauce should I use?

In this recipe, we recommend using a medium-hot sauce like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can start with less hot sauce and add more to taste.

Q2: Can I make this recipe without the hot sauce?

While the hot sauce is what makes this recipe stand out from traditional macaroni and cheese, you can omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q3: How do I store leftover mac n cheese?

Leftover mac n cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Q4: Can I reheat mac n cheese in the microwave?

Yes, you can reheat mac n cheese in the microwave by covering the dish with a paper towel to prevent drying out.

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This recipe is vegetarian-friendly as long as you use vegetarian-friendly hot sauce options.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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