Spicy Mac And Cheese

This creamy, spicy mac and cheese recipe was inspired by a cheesy pasta we had at a restaurant last week. Best of all, this hot mac and cheese turned out to be even more ultimate and delicious.

Spicy mac and cheese is made with easily accessible ingredients. This flavorful dish has a creamy texture that you're sure to love. Moreover, this spicy twist on a classic recipe is simply delightful.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Mac & Cheese Recipe?

• For its bold flavors cayenne pepper and paprika combined with creamy cheese result in an incredibly delicious dish(like this spicy chicken pasta or spicy rigatoni).
• It's time-efficient. Prepare this spicy mac and cheese in less than 40 minutes! If you're using a cast-iron skillet(look how it's helpful in this jalapeno corn dip), you're in luck. It'll be a one-pot wonder, minimizing clean-up time and maximizing your time out of the kitchen.
• Simple Ingredients. Made with easy-to-find staple ingredients for quick and straightforward preparation(similar to this spicy penne pasta).
• Adaptable. Much like traditional mac and cheese, this recipe is highly adaptable(the same goes for this spicy alfredo sauce and spicy peanut butter). Also, adjusting the heat level according to your preference is easy.

The Ingredients

• Macaroni. Elbow pasta is the classic choice in this spicy mac and cheese. But feel free to use multigrain or any other variety of pasta. You could also experiment with penne, ziti, or your favorite noodle shape.
• Butter and Olive Oil. We have used both—butter lends a rich flavor to the sauce, while olive oil adds a classic touch. Additionally, butter is used in this recipe to make the sauce, while olive oil is used to make the crumbles on top.
• Cayenne Pepper and Paprika. I've used ¾ teaspoon of paprika and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper for moderate heat. To give you an idea, cayenne pepper is hotter than paprika. Adjust the quantities of these peppers according to your preference. If you prefer a milder mac and cheese, omit the cayenne pepper. It will still taste great!
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder. Both flavor boosters meld beautifully with each bite of this spicy mac and cheese.
• Flour thickens the sauce. It also binds the milk and cheese well into a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats every piece of pasta. Almond flour or rice flour can be substituted.

How To Make Spicy Mac and Cheese?

Cook the Macaroni. Over medium-high heat, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook until it is al dente (which means it's cooked but still has a bit of a bite) since it'll finish cooking in the sauce. Set aside.

Make the Base. Meanwhile, place a pan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt. Then sprinkle the flour while continuously whisking (this combination is called a roux). 

Cook for 1-2 minutes or until it turns a golden brown.

Stir in Spices. Pour in the milk and constantly whisk to prevent lumps. Bring it to a boil.

Gradually add shredded pepper jack and Parmesan cheese.

Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. 

Continue to whisk, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the mixture thickens.

Stir constantly until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. 

Combine. Quickly add the macaroni and fold it into the sauce until the delicious, spicy cheese sauce covers every piece of macaroni. 

At this point, the spicy mac and cheese tastes excellent. If you want a crunchy top, follow the instructions below.

Bake (optional). Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and set aside. 

Transfer your mac and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on the top and broil on high heat. 

Watch it closely and remove it from the oven in 2-3 minutes or until the breadcrumbs turn a golden brown.

Enjoy this delicious spicy mac and cheese.

Best Side Dishes to Pair With

Feel free to get creative and enjoy your spicy mac and cheese with your favorite side dish.

• Barbecued/Grilled Meat. The combination of smoky, grilled meat with thick, creamy mac and cheese: comfort food at its finest.
• Vegetables. Roasted/steamed veggies and this hot macaroni dish is a match made in heaven. The natural crunch from the roasted vegetables tastes delicious when paired with creamy mac and cheese.
• Baked Chicken/Seafood. Crispy chicken (like these chicken wings) or juicy baked chicken breast pairs beautifully with our hot mac' n cheese. It's a hearty and satisfying meal combo.
• Grilled Corn. Slightly charred, sweet, and smoky grilled corn complements the creamy spiciness of the mac and cheese. It's a summertime favorite.
• Green Salad. For a lighter pairing, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing pairs wonderfully with spicy mac and cheese. It helps cleanse the palate and adds a burst of freshness.

Variations

• Try with sauces. Amp up the heat with buffalo sauce and shredded chicken. Top with blue cheese. Instead of using the cayenne pepper and paprika blend, try adding hot sauce, Sriracha honey sauce, or Cajun spices. 
• With Fresh Peppers, add chopped jalapenos or habanero for a spicy crunch or bell peppers for a rich aroma.
• Vegetables. Try combining it with broccoli or zucchini to make it satisfying.