Spicy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Spicy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Delight. This homemade recipe, inspired by my mother's cherished kitchen, combines creamy, melted cheese with a hint of heat for a tantalizing twist. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, you can easily customize the cheese blend to suit your taste. Whether you prefer the classic creamy American or the sharp bite of cheddar, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Add jalapeños for that extra kick or swap cheeses for delightful variations. Dive into this cheesy goodness, and experience nostalgia in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
flour
3 tablespoons (all-purpose)
milk
2 cups (hot (not boiling))
American cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups (grated)
salt
to taste
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked)
jalapeno slices
1/2 cup (optional, for spice)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Grease a casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
4
Gradually whisk in the hot milk, stirring constantly. Continue to cook for about 3 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in 1 cup each of grated American and sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
6
Meanwhile, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water, then drain again to remove excess moisture.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheese sauce and cooked macaroni, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
8
Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
9
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cheese on top. If you like it spicy, feel free to add sliced jalapeños on top.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
11
Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Spicy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cheesy Baked Macaroni Delight?
It is a homemade comfort food dish that combines creamy, melted cheese with a hint of heat for a tantalizing twist on traditional macaroni and cheese.
What are the main ingredients for the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made using butter, all-purpose flour, hot milk, grated American cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I make this macaroni dish spicy?
You can add spice by including approximately 1/2 cup of sliced jalapeños on top of the casserole before baking.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does it take to bake the macaroni?
The macaroni should be baked for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, you can easily customize the cheese blend to suit your taste, swapping the American or cheddar for your favorites.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
How much butter is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter, which should be melted to start the sauce.
How much flour is used to thicken the sauce?
You will need 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to mix with the butter.
Should the milk be cold when added to the sauce?
No, you should use 2 cups of hot (but not boiling) milk and whisk it in gradually.
How do I prepare the casserole dish?
Grease the casserole dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray before adding the macaroni mixture.
How long should I cook the roux of butter and flour?
Whisk the butter and flour continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste.
How long does the milk mixture take to thicken?
Continue to cook and stir the milk mixture for about 3 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
How much cheese goes into the actual sauce mixture?
You should stir in 1 cup of grated American cheese and 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese until melted.
What should I do with the remaining cheese?
The remaining 1/4 cup of cheese should be sprinkled on top of the macaroni before putting it in the oven.
Should the macaroni be cooked before baking?
Yes, cook the macaroni until al dente, drain, rinse with cold water, and drain again before mixing with the sauce.
Why do I need to rinse the pasta with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process and helps remove excess starch for a better baked texture.
Is salt included in the recipe?
Yes, salt is included to taste.
Are the jalapeños optional?
Yes, the jalapeño slices are optional for those who prefer an extra kick of spice.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the creator's mother's cherished kitchen and classic family cooking.
Can I use American cheese in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 1/4 cups of grated American cheese for its creamy melting properties.
What type of cheddar cheese is recommended?
Sharp cheddar cheese is recommended for its bold flavor.
Is this dish suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
How should the cheese be prepared?
Both the American and sharp cheddar cheeses should be grated before use.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish features a creamy cheese interior with a golden, bubbly top.
How should the dish be served?
It is best to let the baked macaroni cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is tagged as an 'easy recipe' and is simple to follow with basic kitchen steps.
Can I swap the jalapeños for something else?
While the recipe suggests jalapeños, you can swap them for other toppings or omit them entirely to adjust the heat.
What categories does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as comfort food, baked pasta, and a casserole.
Is this a homemade recipe?
Yes, this is a homemade family recipe designed for a nostalgic kitchen experience.