Spicy Mac and Cheese

Try our Spicy Mac and Cheese for a bold twist on classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy pasta with a kick of heat makes this dish perfect for those who love a bit of spice. Ideal for a main meal or side dish.

This spicy Mac and cheese recipe is delicious! You can increase or reduce the hot sauce to get the right level of heat (this depends on the brand, as well as your taste. They aren’t all equal!). It’s a super easy recipe for a classic Mac and cheese with added spice. 

Spicy macaroni and cheese is a delicious side, but it would also be great on a beef burger if you wanted a dirty burger for dinner! 

Why I Love Spicy Mac and Cheese

Spiced Mac and cheese is amazing because:

• It’s a super Creamy spicy Mac and cheese that’s rich, decadent, and a bit filthy!
• Spicy Mac and cheese is a fantastic meal on its own, with sides, or a side dish or burger topper. It’s everything!
• If you love spicy food and spicy cheese, you’ll love this!
• Mac and cheese is the best comfort food!

Ingredients For Spicy Mac and Cheese

When I make spiced Mac and cheese, I use:

Macaroni Pasta – Or elbow macaroni.

Butter

Plain Flour

Semi-Skimmed Milk

Hot Sauce 

Salt and Black Pepper

Cheddar Cheese – A mature or sharp cheddar cheese is best. 

Mozzarella

You’ll Also Need

I prepare my hot cheese sauce using a large saucepan, whisk, and wooden spoon or spatula, and I bake it in a glass, ovenproof baking dish. 

You don’t have to use glass; anything ovenproof will do. 

I cook the pasta for my spicy macaroni cheese recipe in the same saucepan, so just use a colander to drain it. 

How to Make Spicy Mac and Cheese – Step-by-Step Instructions

Full, easy-to-follow instructions and quantities are available in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step One

Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, drain, rinse in cold water, and leave to one side. Rinsing it will prevent it from sticking together. 

Step Two

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees C and prepare an ovenproof dish. It doesn’t need to be massive. 

Step Three

Place the butter and three tablespoons of hot sauce in a large saucepan and melt them on the hob over medium heat. This will not take long. 

Step Four

Reduce the heat and add the flour. 

Step Five

Cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. It will come together very quickly. 

Step Six

Add the milk, bit at a time to avoid lumps, whisking constantly. 

Step Seven

Increase the temperature and bring to a simmer, whisking often. 

Step Eight

Simmer for 3 minutes, whisking often and reducing the temperature if necessary so it’s just a gentle simmer. 

Step Nine

Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat. 

Step Ten

Stir in the salt, pepper, and more hot sauce if desired. I recommend carefully tasting a little of the mixed sauce before adding extra. 

Step Eleven

Add the cheeses, retaining a handful to top. I save some of both cheeses, but you can choose one if you prefer. 

Step Twelve

Fold through well. It will be really gloopy and stringy. 

Step Thirteen

Tip in the pasta and fold until even. This can be quite hard work. Make sure you dig right down to the bottom. 

Step Fourteen

Tip into the ovenproof dish and sprinkle on the last of the cheese with a drizzle of hot sauce. 

Step Fifteen

Bake for 20 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. 

Step Sixteen

Carefully remove from the heat and leave to stand for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Mac and cheese with hot sauce is awesome because it can be the hero or a complementary side. You can serve it with veggies, salad, or bread as a main meal or pop a dollop on the side of a burger or wrap. 

Variations

There are absolutely tons that you can do differently with easy spicy Mac and cheese!

Add Chorizo

I love my chorizo Mac and cheese. It’s already a little spicy, but if you want more, combine the two for chorizo Mac and cheese with hot sauce. 

Add Chicken

Adding a protein like cooked chicken slices is ideal for a more filling meal. 

Add Njuda Paste

Njuda paste has such a fantastic flavour. Stir some in with your hot sauce for more flavour. But be careful—it could get very spicy!

Use Spicy Cheese

There are so many cheeses on the market today! Spicy cheese, like a spicy chilli cheddar or pepper jack cheese (affiliate link), would add extra depth. You can use this with shredded sharp cheddar or instead. 

Use Whole Milk

Many people insist on full-fat milk for Mac and cheese. Personally, I don’t think it’s necessary. It’s a super rich dish with semi-skimmed. Use what you’ve got, though. 

Add Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko Breadcrumbs are a fantastic way to add some crunch to your spicy Mac and cheese. Just sprinkle them on top of the cheese before baking. 

Add Jalapenos

You can also stir through or sprinkle sliced jalapenos on top (or both!) for extra spice and juicy texture. I love a spicy mac and cheese jalapeño dinner!

Leftovers

Reheat Mac and cheese in the oven or microwave until the sauce is bubbling. 

Storage 

Store your leftover spiced Mac and cheese in a sealed tub in the fridge for up to three days. 

FAQ

Other Recipes 

If you like spicy Mac and cheese, you might also want to try:

• Mushroom Mac and Cheese
• Chorizo Mac and Cheese
• Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
• Individual Mac and Cheese
• Leftover Gammon Mac n Cheese

Recipe Card

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