Go Back
+ servings
A bowl of spicy mac and cheese with a spoon, served with hot sauce.

Spicy Mac and Cheese

Avatar photoWeatherly Becker-Gottlieb
Whip up this 25-minute Spicy Mac and Cheese recipe! It's creamy, cheesy, and loaded with a fiery kick from cheddar and Pepper Jack.
4.67 from 3 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine southern
Servings 6 servings
Calories 374 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces large elbow pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • Hot sauce for serving optional

Instructions
 

  • Boil pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
    Melting butter in a skillet for spicy mac and cheese.
  • Make roux: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
    Making a roux for spicy mac and cheese.
  • Add milk and spices: Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Stir in the salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Continue to simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remember not to let it boil.
    Spicy Mac and Cheese
  • Melt cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Pepper Jack cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
    Spicy Mac and Cheese
  • Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Cook for an additional minute to ensure everything is heated through.
    Spicy Mac and Cheese
  • Serve hot: Transfer the spicy mac and cheese to serving dishes. If desired, drizzle with hot sauce for an extra kick. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth with a spicy twist!
    Spicy Mac and Cheese

Nutrition

Calories: 374kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 17gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gSodium: 797mgFiber: 0.2g
Keyword cheese, pasta, spicy, spicy mac and cheese
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!