Spicy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

⏱ 55 mins 🍽 4-6 serving(s) 🏷 Cheese

This is a favourite homemade macaroni and cheese bake, known for its rich, custard-like consistency. It combines cheddar and Monterey Jack pepper cheese with a touch of cayenne and paprika for a gentle warmth. The dish is baked until bubbly and finished with a crisp breadcrumb topping. It yields 4-6 servings and requires about 55 minutes to prepare and cook.

Spicy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta (Macaroni, Shells, or penne work well)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded monterey jack pepper cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 cup milk (approximately)
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • salt & pepper
  • 1/4-1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Method

  1. Lightly grease a shallow baking dish and preheat your oven to 350-375 F.
  2. Cook the pasta until it is approximately 2 minutes less than the package directions state for al dente, then drain it.
  3. Return the drained pasta to its pan and combine it with the butter, followed by the beaten egg, shredded cheeses, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt and pepper as desired.
  4. Transfer the combined pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a level layer.
  5. Pour in sufficient milk to nearly submerge the pasta.
  6. Place in the oven for 10 minutes, then take it out and give it a stir to blend any cheese that has clumped into the milk.
  7. Return the dish to the oven for a further 15 minutes. After this, remove it and sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  8. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crisp and the casserole is bubbling.
  9. Take the bake from the oven and allow it to stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Note that baking times can vary.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium622600 mg

Recipe details

CategoryCheese
AuthorveggieFriendly