Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe (In Just 20 Minutes)
Spicy Mac and Cheese is made with a few simple ingredients, but isn’t lacking in flavor. If you're a fan of spicy food, don't miss this!
Ingredients
- 1 pound cellentani pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 4 ounces
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese 8 ounces
Instructions
- Fill a large stockpot with water. Add 1 tablespoon sea salt to the water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add cellentani pasta to the water once it boils and cook until al dente.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter, and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Cook the flour until it is bubble and begins to turn brown - this gives the base a nice flavor.
- While whisking constantly, slowly pour the milk into the flour mixture. Whisk until smooth and the sauce begins to thicken.
- Add the cheeses, one handful at a time, and whisk until melted and smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the drained, cooked cellentani and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Adjust the salt and pepper to taste - we used about 1/2 teaspoon of each in the cheese sauce. Be sure to salt your pasta water so that the pasta is infused.
Tillamook cheese is always delicious. Grate the cheese yourself as packaged cheeses are coated with non-sticking agents and can prevent your sauce from melting into smooth deliciousness.
You could also pour the finished mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle with additional cheese over the top (even add some breadcrumbs) and bake at 350° until the top is bubbly and browning for a delicious baked mac and cheese.
Saute 1-2 cloves of minced garlic in the butter before adding the flour to infuse the mac and cheese with a bit of garlic flavor.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 632cal | Carbohydrates: 65g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 386mg | Sugar: 6g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 533mg | Iron: 2mg