Peppy Macaroni and Cheese

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Peppy Macaroni and Cheese recipe! This creamy, cheesy baked dish combines classic elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, spicy pepper jack, and tangy cream cheese, delivering the ultimate flavor-packed indulgence. A touch of cayenne pepper, paprika, and optional hot sauce adds a zesty kick, making it a standout side dish or main course. Topped with a golden, crunchy layer of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, this dish is baked to perfection in just 20 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this indulgent mac and cheese will become your go-to comfort food. Transform your kitchen into a flavor haven with this bold and satisfying dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 55/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 0.5 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the roux is lightly golden.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the mixture starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and cream cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6

Add the cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. If using hot sauce, stir in at this point for extra heat.

Step 7

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing thoroughly. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the macaroni and cheese in the baking dish.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Peppy Macaroni and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1708.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4362.9

Total Fat 242.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 138.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.8g
Cholesterol 686.4mg	0%
Sodium 6083.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 372.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.4g	0%
Total Sugars 55.4g
Protein 177.8g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 3672.5mg	0%
Iron 18.2mg	0%
Potassium 1678.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.9%

Protein: 16.2%

Carbs: 33.9%