PantrySavvy
Spicy Mac and Cheese with Pepper Jack and Breadcrumb Topping

mac and cheese

Spicy Mac and Cheese with Pepper Jack and Breadcrumb Topping

A creamy, spicy baked mac and cheese topped with pepper jack cheese and crispy panko breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

60 min

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Ingredients

Serves6
  • 3 tbspButterfor sauce
  • 2 1/2 tbspFlourto thicken sauce
  • 1 1/2 cupWhole Milk
  • 7 ozSharp white cheddar cheesegrated, for sauce
  • 4 ozPepper jack cheesegrated, for sauce
  • 1/4 tspGarlic Powder
  • 1/2 tspChili Powder
  • 1/2 tspCayenne Pepper
  • 1 1/2 tspSaltto taste
  • 1/2 tspBlack Pepperfreshly ground
  • 8 ozMacaroni pastacooked al dente
  • 1 ozAdditional sharp white cheddar cheesegrated, for topping
  • 1 ozAdditional pepper jack cheesegrated, for topping
  • 1/2 cupPanko breadcrumbsfor crispy topping
  • 1/2 tspPaprikafor topping color
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Cooking Instructions

  1. 1

    Gather Ingredients and Prepare Equipment

    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside. Gather all ingredients and utensils, including a medium saucepan, whisk, and a large mixing bowl.
  2. 2

    Make the Sauce

    In the saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add flour, whisking until smooth, and cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture bubbles. This removes the raw flour taste.
  3. 3

    Add Milk

    Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
  4. 4

    Incorporate Cheese and Spices

    Remove from heat and add grated cheddar, pepper jack, garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. 5

    Cook Pasta

    Meanwhile, boil macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain well, as it will cook further in the oven.
  6. 6

    Combine Pasta and Sauce

    In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  7. 7

    Assemble the Dish

    Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar and pepper jack cheeses on top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Dust with paprika for added color.
  8. 8

    Bake

    Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.

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Spicy Mac and Cheese with Pepper Jack and Breadcrumb Topping Recipe | Pantry Savvy