Delicious Southern Spicy Mac and Cheese Recipe
Perfect times to make it
- Holidays
- On a cold and rainy Saturday
- Birthday parties
- Family reunions
- Work Potlucks
- Church
- Anytime!!
Get Ready For a Dish You Will Surely Love
A staple side dish enjoyed far and wide. Who doesn’t enjoy creamy cheese that oozes in and surrounds the comforting taste of macaroni? There truly is no wrong way to make this dish and it is sure to be the talk of your next big get together. The concept of mixing pasta and cheese originates back to Italy and emerged in the US somewhere around the early 18th Century. Though Kraft has done a great job packaging this quick and easy side dish since the 1930’s, they have nothing on this recipe. The recipe is very versatile and can be made on the stove top, as a casserole or even in a crock-pot. The variations will be listed below. Try them each way to explore the best method.
The Pepper Jack Twist
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that has appeared at the tables of most households. Though the difference here is the pepper jack cheese. Imagine rich creamy cheese sauce combined with the starchy substance of pasta but right when you pop this in your mouth there is a twist at the end. That twist will keep everyone eating on this treat. This macaroni and cheese is the perfect mix of creamy cheese, the sharpness of cheddar, sweetness and then the kick of just the right amount of spiciness.
This is a dish that will be a favorite wherever it is taken. Guaranteed you will be asked to make this more than once.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Butter
- 1/4 Cup Flour or cornstarch
- 1 Cup Milk
- 8 oz. Velveeta
- 4 cups Cooked pasta
- 1/2 Cup of each Sharp cheddar and pepper jack
- Panko Italian breadcrumbs
Recommended Pasta
Using the right pasta is key. I like using pasta that will hold in the cheese creating pockets of deliciousness. Try using whole wheat pasta to give a healthy twist to this staple dish.
- Elbows - large or small.
- Shells
- Twists
Casserole
Casserole Instructions
- Heat oven to 350
- In a medium saucepan melt half of the butter on medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to thicken the butter.
- Slowly stir in milk and bring to a boil.
- Cook about 3 minutes or until thickened.
- Add Velveeta and allow to melt.
- Spray 2qt. casserole dish with cooking spray and add cooked pasta.
- Pour Velveeta mix over the top of the pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Add leftover butter.
- Lastly sprinkle entire top of dish with breadcrumbs.
- Bake about 20 minutes or until breadcrumbs brown.
Stovetop Variation
In a large saucepan complete steps 1-5. Add pasta and top with breadcrumbs if desired.
Crockpot
Add cooked pasta to crockpot. Complete steps 1-5. Stir in cheese mixture and add bread crumbs to top. Put on top and cook on high for 3 hours.
How do you prepare your mac and cheese
Yum Yum Results
When you smell this unbelievable dish cooking in the kitchen your stomach will undoubtedly become impatient. Kick back and relax while you imagine the cheese bubbling though the narrow openings of the pasta. And when it is done make sure to allow it to cool for about 10 minutes as cooked cheese can be hot and cause burns.
Arrive to your function with confidence that this meal will hit the hunger spot of whomever pops it in their mouth.
Remember to share the recipe.
