Spicy Baked Macaroni

Elevate your comfort food game with this Spicy Baked Macaroni—an irresistible twist on the classic baked mac and cheese. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is coated in a creamy, three-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan, delivering a rich, velvety texture with every bite. The dish gets its signature kick from bold spices like cayenne pepper, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes, creating a warming spice that will tantalize your taste buds. Topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust for added crunch and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, this baked macaroni is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy yet gourmet dish perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 57/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 0.5 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 5

Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, pepper jack, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the cayenne pepper, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir until the macaroni is fully coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.

Step 10

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

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1665.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4158.0

Total Fat 192.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 507.8mg	0%
Sodium 7740.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 412.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.5g	0%
Total Sugars 55.6g
Protein 203.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4267.9mg	0%
Iron 21.8mg	0%
Potassium 1638.1mg	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: 41.3%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 39.3%