Delicious Spicy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Spicy Macaroni And Cheese — a american recipe (main course) with 11 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

60

Total Time (min)

12

servings

391

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Spicy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Ingredients

Servings:
12
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup cream cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Cook the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make sure not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce.
  2. Prepare Cheese Sauce

    In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.

    Whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
  3. Add Milk and Cream Cheese

    Gradually whisk in the milk and add the cream cheese, stirring until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken.

    Keep the heat on medium to ensure even cooking.
  4. Add Spices and Cheese

    Stir in the cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

    Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce

    Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well until the pasta is evenly coated.

    For extra creaminess, you can add more milk if needed.
  6. Serve

    Serve the spicy macaroni and cheese hot, topped with the remaining cheddar cheese if desired.

    Garnish with chopped parsley or additional spices for extra flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Egg-Free, Peanut-Free, Tree-Nut-Free, Soy-Free. Diet: Balanced

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your american meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Coleslaw
🍽️French fries or baked potatoes
🍽️Corn on the cob

About This Dish

Delicious Spicy Macaroni And Cheese Recipe is a beloved dish from American cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 60 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

American cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions from around the world, shaped by the diverse cultures that make up the nation. From hearty comfort food to innovative modern dishes.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 11 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

12 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories450kcal
Total Fat25gg
Sodium600mgmg
Total Carbohydrates40gg
Dietary Fiber2gg
Total Sugars3gg
Protein20gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisineAmerican