Smart Baked Mac Cheese with a Kick

Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this Smart Baked Mac & Cheese with a Kick! This creamy, cheesy classic gets a bold makeover with just the right touch of heat from cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and a splash of hot sauce. A luscious blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates an irresistibly smooth sauce that perfectly coats tender elbow macaroni. Topped with golden, parsley-flecked panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, this baked masterpiece offers layers of flavor and texture in every bite. Ideal for cozy family dinners or as a flavorful side at gatherings, this recipe comes together in just 45 minutes for the ultimate hassle-free indulgence. Bold, creamy, and utterly comforting—this mac and cheese is anything but ordinary!

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 0.5 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to smell slightly nutty but does not brown.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Continue stirring until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 6

Add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, black pepper, and hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Mix well to incorporate.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and chopped parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle on top of the mac and cheese.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Smart Baked Mac & Cheese with a Kick!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1789.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5435.4

Total Fat 351.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 197.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.2g
Cholesterol 968.1mg	0%
Sodium 6995.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 363.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 43.9g
Protein 199.0g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 4083.3mg	0%
Iron 20.0mg	0%
Potassium 1455.1mg	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: 58.5%

Protein: 14.7%

Carbs: 26.8%