Spicy Mac and Cheese

There’s something incredibly comforting about a good bowl of Spicy Mac and Cheese, especially when it’s cold outside. I remember the first time I had this dish at a friend’s gathering, where the aroma of melting cheese and spices filled the air. As I took that first bite, the creamy texture combined with a kick from the jalapeños made me realize I had stumbled upon my new favorite comfort food. I decided to recreate this delicious dish at home, and now I can’t stop sharing it with friends and family. Whether it’s a casual movie night or a cozy winter gathering, this Spicy Mac and Cheese is sure to steal the show!

Spicy Mac and Cheese Ingredients

The ingredients in this Spicy Mac and Cheese work together harmoniously to create a rich, creamy texture with just the right amount of heat. Each component adds its unique flavor and consistency, ensuring every bite is delectable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 pound cream cheese
• 2 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup juice from a jar of jalapeños
• 1/2 pound cheddar cheese
• 1 cup jarred sliced jalapeños
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
• 1 pound macaroni prepared according to package directions
• 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Recipe Steps for Spicy Mac and Cheese

Making this Spicy Mac and Cheese is a fun and rewarding experience. Follow these steps to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your Spicy Mac and Cheese bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning, creating a smooth base for the dish.
3. Add the cream cheese and mix until blended. You want it to become creamy and combine well with the butter.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and jalapeño juice, then whisk them together. As you whisk, you’ll notice the mixture becoming richer and creamier.
5. Mix in the cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted. The cheese should be smooth and fully incorporated into the mixture.
6. Add the sliced jalapeños, salt, and Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
7. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy serving.
8. Layer half of the cooked macaroni at the bottom of the pan. Spread it evenly to ensure each bite has a good mix of pasta and cheese.
9. Cover the macaroni with half of the cheddar mixture. Spread it out so that each piece of macaroni gets some cheesy goodness.
10. Add the remaining macaroni followed by the remaining cheddar mixture. Top this layer with the rest of the cheese sauce.
11. Dust the top with breadcrumbs. This will give your Spicy Mac and Cheese a delightful crispy topping.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

When making your Spicy Mac and Cheese, keep these tips in mind for the best results:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to three months. Just thaw before reheating.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Experiment: Feel free to add different types of cheese for varied flavors!
• Baking Dish: Use a light-colored pan to help achieve an even bake.
• Make Ahead: Prepare it a day before and bake it when you’re ready to serve!

What Complements This Spicy Mac and Cheese

• Side Dishes: A crisp green salad adds freshness to balance the richness of the Spicy Mac and Cheese.
• Occasions: This dish is perfect for winter gatherings, family dinners, and holiday celebrations.
• Serving Style: Serve it hot straight from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge, and reheat for a quick meal.
• Seasonal Pairing: Pair with winter veggies like roasted Brussels sprouts or a warm apple salad.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, the Spicy Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions, and it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. I encourage you to try making this delightful recipe; you won’t regret it. Serve it at your next gathering or enjoy it on a cozy night in, and let the warm flavors fill your home with happiness.

Spicy Mac and Cheese

The ultimate comfort food, Spicy Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheese with a zesty kick. This easy weeknight dinner is perfect for sharing and will have everyone coming back for seconds. Make it tonight for a cozy gathering!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dinner, Side Dishes

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 pound Cream Cheese
• 2 1/2 cups Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup Juice from a Jar of Jalapeños
• 1/2 pound Cheddar Cheese
• 1 cup Jarred Sliced Jalapeños
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
• 1 pound Macaroni prepared according to package directions
• 2 tablespoons Breadcrumbs

Equipment

• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Blender
• Frying Pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Whisk

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your Spicy Mac and Cheese bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden top.
2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent it from burning, creating a smooth base for the dish.
3. Add the cream cheese and mix until blended. You want it to become creamy and combine well with the butter.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and jalapeño juice, then whisk them together. As you whisk, you’ll notice the mixture becoming richer and creamier.
5. Mix in the cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted. The cheese should be smooth and fully incorporated into the mixture.
6. Add the sliced jalapeños, salt, and Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning. Continue whisking until everything is well combined.
7. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy serving.
8. Layer half of the cooked macaroni at the bottom of the pan. Spread it evenly to ensure each bite has a good mix of pasta and cheese.
9. Cover the macaroni with half of the cheddar mixture. Spread it out so that each piece of macaroni gets some cheesy goodness.
10. Add the remaining macaroni followed by the remaining cheddar mixture. Top this layer with the rest of the cheese sauce.
11. Dust the top with breadcrumbs. This will give your Spicy Mac and Cheese a delightful crispy topping.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

Tip 1: Add some cooked linked sausage and turn this into a main dish.

Tip 2: This macaroni and cheese is great when you use pepper jack cheese.

Tip 3: This dish is really best eaten in one sitting; you can reheat it, but it gets a little dry the second time around.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"