Best 12 Spicy Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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**Indulge in a Spicy Symphony of Flavors with Our Macaroni and Cheese Recipes**

Take your taste buds on a delightful journey with our collection of spicy macaroni and cheese recipes. This classic comfort food gets a fiery twist, resulting in a tantalizing blend of creamy indulgence and zesty heat. From traditional baked mac and cheese to innovative skillet variations, each recipe promises a unique culinary experience.

**Savor the Classic: Spicy Baked Mac and Cheese**
Our classic spicy baked mac and cheese recipe pays homage to the beloved traditional dish while amping up the flavor with a blend of spices. A combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses creates a rich and gooey sauce, while a sprinkling of cayenne pepper, paprika, and chili powder adds a subtle yet noticeable warmth. Topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is a surefire crowd-pleaser.

**Kick It Up a Notch: Skillet Spicy Mac and Cheese**
For a quicker and more dynamic take on mac and cheese, try our skillet spicy mac and cheese recipe. This one-pan wonder features tender macaroni tossed in a creamy sauce infused with a blend of chili peppers, cumin, and smoked paprika. The addition of sautéed bell peppers and onions adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension. Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a vibrant touch.

**Elevate Your Senses: Chipotle Mac and Cheese**
If you crave a smoky and spicy kick, our chipotle mac and cheese recipe is the answer. We combine the bold flavors of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with a creamy blend of cheddar, pepper Jack, and cream cheese. This dish is sure to ignite your taste buds with its perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

**Seafood Delight: Spicy Cajun Shrimp Mac and Cheese**
For a seafood lover's twist, our spicy Cajun shrimp mac and cheese recipe is a must-try. Succulent shrimp are seared in a flavorful Cajun spice blend before being added to a creamy mac and cheese sauce. The result is a dish that combines the richness of cheese with the vibrant flavors of Cajun cuisine.

**Vegetarian Delight: Roasted Vegetable Spicy Mac and Cheese**
For a vegetarian option that packs a flavorful punch, our roasted vegetable spicy mac and cheese recipe is a delightful choice. A medley of roasted vegetables, including broccoli, zucchini, and bell peppers, adds a colorful and nutritious element to the classic dish. The addition of a spicy tomato sauce gives this mac and cheese a tangy and slightly spicy kick.

**Satisfy Your Cravings: Spicy Mac and Cheese Nuggets**
If you're looking for a fun and portable snack or party appetizer, our spicy mac and cheese nuggets recipe is the perfect solution. Bite-sized portions of mac and cheese are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and baked until golden brown. Served with a spicy dipping sauce, these nuggets are sure to be a hit.

No matter your preference, our collection of spicy macaroni and cheese recipes offers a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. From the classic baked mac and cheese to innovative skillet and seafood variations, there's a recipe here to suit every palate. So, gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 cups elbow pasta, cooked until almost al dente
8 ounces Cheddar, 1/2 cubed, 1/2 shredded
8 ounces Colby cheese, cubed
8 ounces Monterey pepper jack cheese, cubed
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
4 tablespoons sour cream
1 large egg, beaten
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup finely grated onions
4 slices bread
1 tablespoon butter
Special equipment: 2-quart baking dish

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the pasta with the cheese cubes and pour into the baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dry mustard, nutmeg. Add the sour cream, egg, heavy cream, half-and-half and onions. Pour over the pasta and cover with the shredded Cheddar. Bake uncovered until the top is just beginning to brown, about 35 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cut the bread into crouton-size squares. In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, add the bread cubes and toast until golden. Sprinkle the bread cubes on top of the macaroni and cheese and bake until golden brown, about 10 minutes more.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE BAKE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese Bake image

This recipe came from what my mom referred to as the 'spice' cookbook. I grew up with it and am happy to share it. It's pretty simple to make. Make a roux, add to pasta. It is a favorite at potlucks but can be altered for smaller groups. You can make it as spicy as you like. I usually make a SPICY half and a not so spicy half.

Provided by NIN4NIN

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h25m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb monterey jack pepper cheese
9 tablespoons butter
8 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons dry vegetarian chicken base (tastes better)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
4 teaspoons Season-All salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 dash cayenne (as much as you want)
1 dash nutmeg
4 cups milk
2 (8 ounce) packages macaroni
1 dash sweet paprika

Steps:

  • Grate cheese and set aside.
  • Cook macaroni following directions on package and set aside.
  • For the roux Melt butter, remove from heat.
  • Mix flour, seasoned stock base and seasonings.
  • Slowly add mixture to butter.
  • Cook over low heat. stirring, until mixture is smooth and bubbly. Do not allow to brown.
  • Remove from heat and slowly stir in milk.
  • Bring to a boil, stirring, and cook until sauce thinkens.
  • Add 2 cups of the cheese and stir unil melted.
  • Place half the macaroni in a buttered 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
  • Sprinkle with half of remaining cheese.
  • Pour half of sauce over all.
  • Top with layer of macaroni and the rest of the cheese.
  • Pour remaining cheese sauce over all. Sprinkel with paprika.
  • Bake in 350 oven 30 to 40 minutes.
  • Serve hot from baking dish.

SPICY HAM AND TOMATO MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Spicy Ham and Tomato Macaroni and Cheese Casserole image

Make and share this Spicy Ham and Tomato Macaroni and Cheese Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 onion, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh minced garlic
1 -2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 teaspoon coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
4 1/2 cups half-and-half cream (can use half of each to make 4-1/2 cups) or 4 1/2 cups full-fat milk (can use half of each to make 4-1/2 cups)
1 (28 ounce) can plum tomatoes, well drained and chopped
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 cups chopped cooked ham (or to taste)
1 lb elbow macaroni (cooked only to VERY FIRM-tender and drained)
3 cups cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Set oven to 375 degrees.
  • Butter a 3-quart casserole dish or a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
  • In a large heavy saucepan melt the butter and cook the onion, garlic, jalapenos, coriander and cumin over low heat, stirring until the onion has softened.
  • Stir in flour and cook stirring for 3 minutes.
  • Add in half and half cream and/or milk; bring to a boil, whisking until mixture thickens (about 2 minutes).
  • Add in well-drained tomatoes; simmer for 2 minutes.
  • Add in cayenne, salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, mix together cooked macaroni, and tomato/cream mixture.
  • Add in the chopped cooked ham.
  • Stir in the cheddar cheese to combine.
  • Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the casserole.
  • Bake on the second-lowest oven rack for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH CHORIZO SAUSAGE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese with Chorizo Sausage image

Provided by Patrick and Gina Neely : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound penne pasta
3 cups cherry tomatoes
2 teaspoons olive oil, plus drizzling
Salt and pepper
1 package chorizo, casings removed and finely chopped
6 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups milk, warm
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 cups shredded Monterey pepper jack
1 cup sharp white Cheddar
1 (2.7-ounce) can fried onions

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Cook the pasta in salted, boiling salted water until al dente. Drain in a colander.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes to a sheet tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, until visibly plump and softened.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Saute the chorizo in a saute pan until crisp. Remove.
  • Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepot over medium heat. Add flour, stirring for 1 minute. Whisk in the warmed milk and bring to a boil. Continue to whisk constantly. Stir while adding the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Stir in the cheese; reserving 1/2 cup for the topping. The mixture will thicken as the heat increases.
  • Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well. Add to a 3-quart casserole dish. Add the chorizo and roasted cherry tomatoes. Top with reserved cheese and the fried onions. Bake for 35 minutes. Can be made ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking if refrigerated.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 50m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 1/2 cups finely chopped onion
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons minced pickled jalapeno chilies, to taste or 1 to 2 tablespoons of chipotle in adobo
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
1 (28-ounce) can plum tomatoes, juice discarded and tomatoes chopped and drained well
1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups coarsely grated Monterey Jack (about 8 ounces)
2 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar (about 8 ounces)
1/4 cup fresh bread crumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (about 1/4 pound)

Steps:

  • In a large heavy saucepan cook the onion, the garlic, the jalapenos, or chipotle in butter over moderately low heat, stirring, until the onion is softened, stir in the flour, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 3 minutes. Add the milk in a stream, whisking constantly, and bring the liquid to a boil. Stir in the tomatoes. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper, to taste.
  • In a kettle of boiling salted water cook the macaroni for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it is barely al dente, drain it well, and in a large bowl combine it with the tomato mixture. Stir in the Monterey Jack and the cheddar and transfer the mixture to a buttered 15 by 10-inch shallow baking dish or 3-quart gratin dish. In a bowl stir together the bread crumbs and the Parmesan, sprinkle the mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture. Bake the macaroni and cheese in the middle of a preheated 375 degree F oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until it is golden and bubbly.

SPICY ROASTED VEGETABLE MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Spicy Roasted Vegetable Macaroni and Cheese Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by á-25138

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 cup broccoli florets, chopped into small chunks
1/2 red pepper, diced
1 yellow squash, quartered and diced
10 baby carrots, sliced thinly
2 cups whole wheat pasta (elbow macaroni, rotini, penne, etc.)
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
2 cups Sargento® Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, 8 ounces
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Set a medium pot of salted water to boil. Prepare a large baking sheet by lining with aluminum foil and coating with a little olive oil or nonstick cooking spray. Toss broccoli, red pepper, squash and carrots onto the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, or until vegetables have softened. Remove from oven and set aside. Once water is boiling, lower heat slightly and add pasta, cooking according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until mixture is slightly thickened. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until well distributed and melted. Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Add macaroni and vegetables. Place mixture in a large casserole dish and sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs. Place under the broiler in your oven (500°) for 3-4 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE CASSEROLE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole image

Make and share this Spicy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Miss Diggy

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (7 1/4 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion, diced
1 (14 ounce) can tomatoes and green chilies
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon red pepper powder
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Make mac and cheese according to pkg instructions.
  • Then brown and crumble ground beef with onion.
  • Drain.
  • In a 9x13-inch dish combine all ingredients and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

SPICY SMOKY MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH TURKEY BACON



Spicy Smoky Macaroni and Cheese with Turkey Bacon image

This is my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe. You can adjust the amounts of paprika, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper to suit your tastes. I like spicy food so the recipe as it is written is spicy.

Provided by PureIce23

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 45m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package uncooked shell pasta
10 slices turkey bacon
1 (1 pound) loaf processed cheese food (such as Velveeta®), cubed
¾ cup heavy cream
½ cup fat free half-and-half
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅜ teaspoon smoked paprika

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot with lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Stir in the shell pasta and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • While the pasta is cooking, place the turkey bacon strips between two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate. Cook in the microwave on High until the bacon is crispy, 4 to 6 minutes depending on the microwave. Allow the bacon to cool; crumble and set aside.
  • Once the pasta has cooked and is draining, combine the processed cheese, cream, and half-and-half in the pot that was used to cook the pasta. Cook and stir over medium heat until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly. Remove from the heat; stir in the paprika, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and crumbled turkey bacon. Stir the cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 747.3 calories, Carbohydrate 64 g, Cholesterol 143.5 mg, Fat 41.4 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 32 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, Sodium 1555.3 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

THE NEELY'S SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH CHORIZO SAUSAGE



The Neely's Spicy Macaroni and Cheese with Chorizo Sausage image

Mmmmmm Good!

Provided by Brandy Bender

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Time 1h15m

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb penne pasta
3 c cherry tomatoes
2 tsp olive oil, plus drizzling
salt and pepper
1 pkg chorizo
6 Tbsp butter
1/2 c all-purpose flour
4 c milk, warm
1 tsp dry mustard
1 Tbsp hot sauce
1 Tbsp worcestershire sauce
2 c shredded monterey pepper jack
1 c sharp white cheddar
1 can(s) french fried onions

Steps:

  • 1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • 2. Cook the pasta in salted, boiling salted water until al dente. Drain in a colander.
  • 3. Add the cherry tomatoes to a sheet tray, drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes, until visibly plump and softened.
  • 4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons of olive oil. Saute the chorizo in a saute pan until crisp. Remove. Melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepot over medium heat. Add flour, stirring for 1 minute. Whisk in the warmed milk and bring to a boil. Continue to whisk constantly. Stir while adding the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire. Stir in the cheese; reserving 1/2 cup for the topping. The mixture will thicken as the heat increases.
  • 5. Pour the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and mix well. Add to a 3-quart casserole dish. Add the chorizo and roasted cherry tomatoes. Top with reserved cheese and the fried onions. Bake for 35 minutes. Can be made ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking if refrigerated.

SPICY MACARONI & CHEESE



Spicy Macaroni & Cheese image

Make and share this Spicy Macaroni & Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Danny Beason

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (pepper jack works, 16 ozs)
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (4 1/2 ounce) can chopped green chilies, drained
1 cup coarsely crushed corn chips

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Coat a 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and place in a large bowl.
  • Add the remaining ingredents except for the corn chips; mix well then pour into a casserol dish and sprinkle with corn chips Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly,and the top is golden.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH SAUSAGE



Spicy Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage image

I had the various ingredients as left-overs so did some major tweaking of several other recipes and came up with this.

Provided by Carolyn Haas

Categories     Pasta

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 small onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, grated or minced
1 Tbsp jarred jalapeno slices, minced
1/2 tsp coriander
1 tsp cumin
1 1/2 Tbsp grapeseed oil (or other oil)
1 1/2 Tbsp flour
3/4 c half and half
1 c milk
1 medium head cauliflower, separated into florets
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
6 oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced
1/2 lb pasta of choice
6 oz velveeta cheese, cubed
1 Tbsp panko bread crumbs
1 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 quart casserole dish. Set aside.
  • 2. Cook pasta and cauliflower in salted boiling water until done. Drain, set aside.
  • 3. Slice turkey sausage, saute until browned. Set aside.
  • 4. In a large pot, heat oil and saute onion, garlic and jalapeno until onion has softened. Add coriander, cumin and cayenne.
  • 5. Stir in flour and cook for about 3 minutes. Add milk mixture slowly. Add cheese. Stir until cheese melts and mixture thickens.
  • 6. Add cooked pasta and cauliflower and the sausage to cheese mixture. Stir to mix.
  • 7. Transfer mixture to casserole dish. Top with crumbs and parmesan. Bake for 20-30 minutes until crumbs are browned. Let sit for a few minutes before serving.

SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE



SPICY MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Side     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Backyard BBQ     Dinner

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 lb. of elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve 1/3 cup of this for topping the macaroni before you bake it)
1/2 tsp mustard powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, plus 1/8 tsp. for topping
1/4 tsp. paprika, plus 1/8 tsp. for topping
1/4 tsp. black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package or recipe directions until it is a few minutes (6 min. are usually good) less than al dente - the pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so having very al dente pasta when you put the pasta in to bake will ensure your macaroni isn't mushy or overcooked. In a large saucepan, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 1 minute. Whisk the milk into the roux a little at a time, making sure to work out all the clumps so you have a smooth sauce. Cook over medium heat until milk has thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in 2 and 2/3 cups of the cheddar cheese with a spoon or spatula. Stir until cheese is melted. Stir mustard powder, cayenne, paprika, and black pepper into sauce. Stir pasta into sauce. Pour pasta into a baking dish (or cast iron skillet). Top with the extra 1/8 tsp. of cayenne and paprika and the extra 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake at 350 for 15-25 minutes or until cheese has melted and edges are crispy.

Tips:

  • For a creamier macaroni and cheese, use a combination of milk and cream.
  • If you like a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cheese sauce.
  • For a cheesy crust, top the macaroni and cheese with some grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
  • To make it a complete meal, add some cooked chicken, bacon, or vegetables to the macaroni and cheese.
  • If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked macaroni noodles.

Conclusion:

Spicy macaroni and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try!

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