Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Spicy Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 4 slices white bread, cut into 1/2-inch squares; Kosher salt; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded; 8 ounces Colby cheese, shredded; 8 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded; 2 cups elbow pasta, cooked until almost al dente; 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder; 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1 egg, beaten; 1/4 cup grated Vidalia or sweet onion; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup half-and-half

Servings: persons

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 slices white bread, cut into 1/2-inch squares
Kosher salt
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
8 ounces Cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces Colby cheese, shredded
8 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded
2 cups elbow pasta, cooked until almost al dente
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1/4 cup sour cream
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup grated Vidalia or sweet onion
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half

1
To make the croutons, melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat.
2
Add the bread cubes and toast until light golden, 4 to 6 minutes.
3
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with a pinch of salt.
4
Set aside.
5
To prepare the pasta, butter the bottom and sides of a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
6
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a medium bowl, toss together the Cheddar, Colby, and Jack cheeses.
7
Put the cooked pasta in a large bowl and add two-thirds of the blended cheese.
8
Set aside.
9
To make the custard, in a large bowl, whisking between additions, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, mustard, nutmeg, sour cream, egg, onion, heavy cream, and half-and-half.
10
Pour the custard over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
11
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish.
12
Cover with the remaining cheese blend.
13
Bake uncovered until the cheese is almost set and the top is just beginning to brown, about 35 minutes.
14
Remove from the oven and sprinkle the croutons over the top.
15
Return the dish to the oven and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes more.

1465

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 19 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, 4 slices white bread, cut into 1/2-inch squares, Kosher salt, 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and more.

Yes, Spicy Mac and Cheese falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions