Hot Cheetos Mac and Cheese (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Cheese Sauce
01 -
8 ounces elbow pasta
02 -
5 tablespoons butter
03 -
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
04 -
3 cups whole milk
05 -
1/2 teaspoon salt
06 -
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
07 -
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ Cheese
08 -
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from 8-ounce block)
09 -
1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded (from 4-ounce block)
→ Spicy Topping
10 -
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
11 -
1 cup Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed into crumbs
12 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
13 -
1/4 teaspoon salt
# Instructions:
01 -
Fill a large pot with water, add 1 tablespoon of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Preheat oven to 350°F. In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, crushed Cheetos, melted butter, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set this spicy topping mixture aside.
03 -
In a large pot over low heat, melt the 5 tablespoons of butter. Add the flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until it forms a paste-like consistency and starts to smell nutty.
04 -
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens enough that you can run your finger through it on the back of a spoon and it leaves a clear line.
05 -
Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low to keep the sauce from breaking.
06 -
Add the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses in small handfuls, stirring between each addition until mostly melted. The cheese doesn't need to be completely smooth at this stage.
07 -
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is well coated with the creamy mixture.
08 -
Pour the cheesy pasta into a greased 9x9-inch baking dish. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese to sprinkle on top, then add the Cheetos breadcrumb topping. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden and crunchy.
# Notes:
01 -
This elevated mac and cheese combines a rich, homemade cheese sauce with the bold crunch of Flamin' Hot Cheetos.
02 -
Using both cheddar and Gruyere creates a complex, sophisticated cheese flavor that balances the spicy topping.
03 -
The key to a smooth cheese sauce is adding the cheese gradually over low heat and stirring constantly.
04 -
Crushing the Cheetos into fine crumbs ensures they distribute evenly and create a uniform crunchy topping.