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–+ servings
This mac and cheese recipe has a bit of a kick to it and it's the perfect weeknight comfort meal when you are craving pasta and cheese!
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4.63 from 8 votes

Bangin' Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese made from scratch comfort food just perfect for any weeknight dinner when you're craving the classic!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4
Author: Julie Chiou

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces (454 g) medium shells pasta
  • 5 tablespoons (70 g) unsalted butter divided
  • 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (237 ml) whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon (teaspoon) cayenne pepper
  • 8 ounces (227 g) freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces (227 g) freshly shredded monterey jack cheese
  • 8 ounces (227 g) freshly shredded colby jack cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Spray a deep and large 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large pot, bring water to boil for your pasta. Season water with salt then cook pasta halfway through and drain. Do not cook it all the way through as it will finish cooking in the oven.
    16 ounces medium shells pasta
  • While pasta is cooking, in a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons (28g) of butter and then add in the panko breadcrumbs, stirring frequently to get a nice, toasty brown color. Pour in a bowl and set aside for later.
    1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons . unsalted butter
  • In the same skillet melt remaining butter then pour in the milk and add the cayenne.
    1 cup whole milk, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 3 tablespoons . unsalted butter
  • Dump in all your cheese and melt it to a nice, smooth consistency. It'll be a fairly runny mixture but don't fret – it all thickens up in the oven!
    8 ounces freshly shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, 8 ounces freshly shredded monterey jack cheese, 8 ounces freshly shredded colby jack cheese
  • After the cheese is all melted and everything is mixed evenly, fold in the pasta and remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
    Salt and pepper
  • Pour the pasta in the prepared casserole dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top.
  • Bake covered for 25 minutes.
  • For the last 5-10 minutes, remove the lid and let the panko breadcrumbs brown some more.
  • Remove from oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 975 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38 g | Protein: 45 g | Fat: 73 g | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 4 g

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