Fiery Five-Cheese Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Fiery Five-Cheese Mac & Cheese Delight, inspired by the heartwarming Sunday dinners portrayed in the beloved film 'Soul Food.' This dish elevates classic macaroni and cheese to new heights with a blend of five creamy, flavorful cheeses—including zesty Monterey Jack pepper cheese and rich cream cheese—perfectly balanced with a touch of heat and seasonings. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden panko topping, this dish is sure to bring warmth and joy to your table, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for a taste of nostalgia.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonstick cooking spray
1 (8 ounce) can (For greasing ramekins or baking dish)
Dry elbow macaroni
12 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
Unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melt in a pot)
Milk
1 cup (Use full-fat or whole milk for creaminess)
Sour cream
1/3 cup (Add for creaminess)
Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon (For added depth of flavor)
Cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (To taste, adjust for spice preference)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
White pepper
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Monterey Jack pepper cheese
4 ounces (Shredded)
Swiss cheese
4 ounces (Shredded)
Sharp cheddar cheese
2 ounces (Shredded)
Cream cheese
2 ounces (Cubed and softened)
Grated aged Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (For sprinkling on top)
Panko breadcrumbs
6 tablespoons (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to broil at 450°F (232°C).
2
Spray six 8-10 oz ramekins or a 13x9 inch baking dish generously with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
3
In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well in a colander.
4
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, reduce the heat to low.
5
Stir in the milk, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, salt, and white pepper. Mix well.
6
Gradually add the shredded Monterey Jack pepper cheese, Swiss cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir continuously until all cheeses are melted and the mixture is creamy.
7
Carefully fold in the drained macaroni until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
8
Divide the macaroni mixture equally among the prepared ramekins. Sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs, then lightly spray the panko topping with a little more cooking spray for even browning.
9
Place the ramekins under the broiler, 4-5 inches from the heat source, and broil for 3-5 minutes or until the panko is golden brown and crispy.
10
Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fiery Five-Cheese Mac & Cheese Delight?
It is an elevated comfort food dish inspired by the film 'Soul Food,' featuring a blend of five cheeses, a touch of heat, and a crispy panko topping.
Which five cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Monterey Jack pepper cheese, Swiss cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and grated aged Parmesan cheese.
How long should I broil the mac and cheese?
Broil the dish for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the panko topping is golden brown and crispy.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be set to broil at 450°F (232°C).
Can I use a single baking dish instead of ramekins?
Yes, you can use a 13x9 inch baking dish instead of individual 8-10 oz ramekins.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Dry elbow macaroni is the recommended pasta for this traditional mac and cheese dish.
How do I ensure the panko topping is evenly browned?
Lightly spray the panko breadcrumbs with a little nonstick cooking spray before placing them under the broiler.
What makes this mac and cheese 'fiery'?
The heat comes from the inclusion of Monterey Jack pepper cheese and a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Why is cream cheese added to the recipe?
Cream cheese is added to provide extra richness and a smooth, creamy texture to the cheese sauce.
Can I use whole milk for this recipe?
Yes, using full-fat or whole milk is recommended for the best results and maximum creaminess.
What is the role of sour cream in the sauce?
Sour cream contributes to the creaminess of the dish and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of depth and savory complexity to the cheese sauce.
How much pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of dry elbow macaroni.
Should the macaroni be fully cooked before adding it to the sauce?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente according to the package instructions before being mixed with the sauce.
What seasonings are used in the cheese sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with salt, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
How many ramekins does this recipe serve?
This recipe is portioned to fill six 8-10 oz ramekins.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Stir the cheese mixture continuously over low heat until all the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
What is the panko topping composed of?
The topping consists of panko breadcrumbs and grated aged Parmesan cheese.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your personal spice preference.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, the cream cheese should be cubed and softened to help it melt more easily into the sauce.
What garnish can I use?
Optional garnishes include fresh herbs or an extra sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
Can I use salted butter instead?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter; if you use salted butter, you may want to reduce the additional salt added later.
How far from the heat should I place the ramekins when broiling?
Place the ramekins approximately 4 to 5 inches away from the broiler heat source.
What type of pepper is used besides cayenne?
The recipe specifically calls for white pepper for seasoning.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Absolutely, it is designed as an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy nights in.
What kind of Monterey Jack cheese is used?
The recipe uses Monterey Jack pepper cheese (often known as Pepper Jack) to provide a zesty kick.
How much butter is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a lighter and crunchier topping texture.
Should the milk be added all at once?
Yes, you can stir in the milk, sour cream, and spices together once the butter is melted.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce?
No, the grated aged Parmesan is meant for sprinkling on top with the panko breadcrumbs.