Hot 'N Sweet Mac and Cheese
Did you hear the news? Mac and cheese just got a hot and sweet level up!!
Recipe by Rachel DiNunzio | @bakesbyrach_
8oz pasta (cavatappi, elbow, etc.), cooked al dente
¼ cup salted butter, divided
2 tbsp flour
1 ½ cup whole milk
1 tsp cayenne
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
1 tbsp favorite hot sauce (we recommend Franks or Tabasco here)
1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded*
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded*
2 tbsp cream cheese
1 cup crushed Hot 'N Sweet Olive Oil Potato Chips
*do not use pre-shredded cheese here! Pre-shredded cheese is coated to prevent sticking in the bag and will not melt right
Instructions
Active Time: 35 Minutes
Full Time: 1.5 Hours
Start by preheating the oven to 350 F.
Heat a large pot over medium low, and add 2 tbsp butter. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour and cook until well combined, and it is starting to smell nutty. Add the milk slowly, stirring to incorporate. Bring the milk to a simmer and cook until creamy and thickened, 3 - 5 minutes.
Add the cream cheese, spices, and hot sauce. Stir and cook until the cream cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Turn off the heat and immediately add in the pepper jack cheese, and 1 cup of the white cheddar. Stir until the cheese is completely melted, and then fold in the cooked pasta.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Combine the melted butter and crushed chips until you have a slightly moist mixture. Top the mac and cheese with the remaining cheese, and finish with the buttery chip crumbs.
Bake until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling, around 15 - 20 minutes.
