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Craving something comforting with a kick? This Spicy Mac and Cheese Casserole is just the thing. It's creamy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of heat to make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a potluck hit, this dish combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with a spicy twist. Let's dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
The name of the recipe: Spicy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make spicy mac and cheese casserole
Elbow macaroni: Provides the classic pasta base, perfect for holding the creamy cheese sauce and adding a comforting texture.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts smoothly, creating a rich, gooey sauce that binds the dish together with a sharp, tangy flavor.
Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce, helping to achieve a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta evenly.
Butter: Forms the base of the roux, which thickens the sauce and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
All-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create a roux, essential for thickening the cheese sauce to the perfect consistency.
Paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet flavor and a vibrant color, enhancing the overall taste and appearance.
Cayenne pepper: Brings the heat, giving the dish its spicy kick and balancing the richness of the cheese.
Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy macaroni and cheese beneath.
Tools and Instruments Required
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Spicy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Large pot: Needed to cook the macaroni and prepare the cheese sauce, ensuring even cooking and mixing.
- Whisk: Essential for blending the flour and butter smoothly into the milk, preventing lumps in the sauce.
- Baking dish: Used to bake the macaroni and cheese mixture, giving it a crispy, golden top.
- Measuring cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like milk, butter, and cheese, ensuring the right consistency.
- Colander: Drains the cooked macaroni efficiently, removing excess water before mixing with the cheese sauce.
Spicy Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/4 cup Butter
- 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Read more: Pizza Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Keywords:
Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, but don't bake.
- Let it cool completely.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes.
- Bake as directed.
Freezing Instructions
- Prepare the mac and cheese, but don't bake.
- Let it cool completely.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
- Bake as directed.
Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce can enhance the flavor profile, giving the mac and cheese a subtle warmth and depth.
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