Best 6 Kicked Up Mac Cheese Recipes

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Kicked-up mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish with a spicy twist. It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a fun party appetizer. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a touch of heat from the jalapeños and cayenne pepper creates a dish that is both satisfying and flavorful.

This article features a collection of kicked-up mac and cheese recipes that are sure to please everyone. From a classic recipe with just a hint of spice to a more adventurous version with multiple types of peppers, there's a recipe here for every taste. Whether you're looking for a simple side dish or a hearty main course, these kicked-up mac and cheese recipes are sure to hit the spot.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE BY EMERIL LAGASSE



Kicked Up Mac and Cheese by Emeril Lagasse image

When I am in a hurry and need a potato dish this one has never failed me. It is quick and easy and very pleasy. hehe I have taken this to work parties, church gatherings, family functions and the list goes on... My husband is the one that makes the killer mashed potatoes and gravy but if I'm making potatoes and need to get it...

Provided by Kimberly Biegacki

Categories     Potatoes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tsp butter
2 large eggs
2 c whole milk
1 1/2 c grated cheddar cheese
1 1/2 c grated white cheddar cheese
2 lb bag of tater tos, thawed
salt and white pepper (or black pepper)
TOPPING
1/2 c cheddar cheese
1/2 c white cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x12 inch square baking dish with the butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add 1 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cup of the white cheddar cheese and the tater tots. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the 1 cup remaining cheese.
  • 2. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown. (Sometimes I add a little Cayenne to it for another kick. hehe)
  • 3. Delicious served up with some steaks & a nice salad.

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE



Kicked Up Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons butter
2 eggs
2 cups of whole milk
Salt and white pepper
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated White Cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, diced
2 pound bag of tater tots, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9 by 2-inch square baking dish with the butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the White Cheddar cheese, the ham and the tater tots. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is brown.

KICKED UP SAUSAGE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Kicked Up Sausage Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 23

9 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 pound elbow macaroni
1 pound homemade-style spicy pork sausage, removed from casings and crumbled
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1/2 cup chopped green bell peppers
1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows
4 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon anise seeds
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
1 tablespoon dried thyme

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter a large casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, stirring, until browned and the fat is rendered. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan. Add the onions, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of the Essence, and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and anise seeds, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.
  • Melt the remaining stick of butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat until thick, 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown. Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well. Add the noodles, cooked sausage and vegetables, and stir well to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of cheese with the breadcrumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Combine all ingredients thoroughly and store in an airtight jar or container.
  • Recipe from "New New Orleans Cooking", by Emeril Lagasse and Jessie Tirsch. Published by William and Morrow, 1993.

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE



KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons butter
2 eggs
2 cups whole milk
Salt and white pepper
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated White Cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, diced
2 pound bag tater tots, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9 by 2-inch square baking dish with the butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the White Cheddar cheese, the ham and the tater tots. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

KICKED-UP MAC AND CHEESE



Kicked-Up Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Kicked-Up Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by nccrreporter

Categories     Chicken

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 lb ground chicken or 1 lb turkey, seasoned to taste
16 ounces elbow macaroni
1 lb Velveeta cheese
1 1/2 cups salsa
1 cup milk

Steps:

  • 1. Brown chicken/turkey.
  • 2. Boil macaroni.
  • 3. Melt cheese with milk.
  • 4. Add to cheese mixture chicken/turkey and salsa and macaroni.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 494, Fat 16.2, SaturatedFat 9.4, Cholesterol 88.8, Sodium 1192.5, Carbohydrate 55.1, Fiber 2.7, Sugar 7.1, Protein 30.9

"KICKED UP" MACARONI AND CHEESE



I have made this quite a few times, it is just delicious and a favourite with my family. This recipe makes quite a lot so make certain that you have a very large fry pan or use a Dutch oven. The complete recipe is made on top of the stove. Make certain to only cook pasta until just firm but a bit tender, as the pasta will cook more in the pan. All ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste. I have even added in some chopped cooked bacon...you will love this!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs ground beef
1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1 -2 teaspoon salt
black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 large onion, chopped
2 -3 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 (225 g) boxes macaroni & cheese dinner mix (I use Kraft)
2 (10 ounce) cans mushrooms, drained
2 tablespoons HP steak sauce (or to taste)
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup, undiluted
2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
milk (to thin sauce) or half-and-half cream (to thin sauce)

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta from the Kraft dinner until firm-tender (do not over cook, leave firm!) drain and rinse under cold water, set aside the cheese packages and the cooked macaroni.
  • In a large frypan or Dutch oven brown the ground beef with onion, garlic and celery until beef is no longer pink; drain fat.
  • Add in the mushrooms and the cooked macaroni to the ground beef; mix to combine.
  • In a bowl, mix together mushroom soup, tomato soup, HP steak sauce, Tabasco sauce (if using) green pepper, Parmesan cheese (if using) and the two packages of cheese mix; mix well to combine.
  • Add the mixture to the ground beef in the pan and stir to combine.
  • Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding in milk to thin sauce (I use about 1/4-1/3 cup).
  • Delicious!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 752.6, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 11.7, Cholesterol 113.3, Sodium 1616.6, Carbohydrate 71.6, Fiber 4, Sugar 16.4, Protein 46

Tips:

  • Use quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the mac and cheese will be. Use freshly grated cheese, real butter, and whole milk for the best flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni perfectly: Al dente is the ideal texture for macaroni in mac and cheese. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but taste it a minute or two before it's supposed to be done to make sure it's not overcooked.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. It's essential for a smooth and creamy mac and cheese.
  • Use a variety of cheeses: A combination of cheeses gives mac and cheese a more complex flavor. Use a blend of cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack for a classic mac and cheese, or experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or smoked Gouda.
  • Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices. A little bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika can go a long way.
  • Top with something crunchy: A crunchy topping adds texture and flavor to mac and cheese. Try topping it with breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or grated Parmesan cheese before baking.

Conclusion:

Kicked-up mac and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different ways to make it, there's sure to be a recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give kicked-up mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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