Cheetos Flamin Hot Mac Cheese Muffins (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Mac and Cheese Base
01 -
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
02 -
2 tablespoons butter
03 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 -
2 cups whole milk
05 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 -
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
→ Seasonings and Binding
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon paprika
09 -
Salt and pepper to taste
10 -
1 large egg, beaten
11 -
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional for structure)
→ Cheetos Coating and Topping
12 -
2 cups Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed into fine crumbs
13 -
1 cup extra shredded cheddar cheese for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it turns golden and smells nutty.
02 -
Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
03 -
Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
04 -
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated. Stir in the beaten egg and breadcrumbs if using - this helps the muffins hold their shape when baked.
05 -
Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously grease a 12-cup muffin tin with butter or cooking spray. Sprinkle crushed Cheetos crumbs into each cup, coating the bottom and sides for a spicy, crunchy crust.
06 -
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each muffin cup, pressing down gently to pack it in. Top each muffin with extra cheddar cheese and more crushed Cheetos for a crispy, flavorful topping.
07 -
Bake for 18-22 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbling. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before carefully removing - this helps them hold together.
08 -
Garnish with additional crushed Cheetos if desired and serve warm while the cheese is still gooey and the Cheetos coating is crispy.
# Notes:
01 -
These creative muffins turn classic mac and cheese into a fun, portable snack with a spicy Cheetos twist.
02 -
The breadcrumbs help bind the mixture so the muffins hold their shape when removed from the tin.
03 -
Crushing the Cheetos into fine crumbs creates both a coating for the muffin cups and a crunchy topping.
04 -
Let them cool slightly before removing from the pan - they'll be too soft when hot and may fall apart.