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Hot Cheeto Mac and Cheese - featured image

Hot Cheeto Mac and Cheese with Crunchy Spicy Topping

  • Author: neuriox
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Hot Cheeto Mac and Cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and topped with a fiery, crunchy Hot Cheeto crust for the ultimate comfort food with a spicy twist. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you want to wow your friends and family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups dry)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
  • 2 cups Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed (about 70 grams)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Drain and set aside (do not rinse).
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-6 minutes.
  5. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  6. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. For the topping, crush Hot Cheetos in a food processor or zip-top bag until fine. In a bowl, mix Cheeto crumbs with melted butter and Parmesan (if using) until evenly coated.
  8. Pour mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle Hot Cheeto topping evenly over the surface.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is crisp and the cheese sauce is bubbling. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Cheeto crumbs or sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Slightly undercook the pasta so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and flour. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 680
  • Fat: 21
  • Saturated Fat: 12
  • Carbohydrates: 43
  • Fiber: 2
  • Protein: 13

Keywords: hot cheeto mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, crunchy topping, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, party food, easy mac and cheese, flamin hot cheetos, cheesy pasta, spicy casserole

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Find it online: https://neurioxdesign.com/hot-cheeto-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-crunchy-spicy-topping/