Jacked Mac N Cheese

Get ready to elevate comfort food to a whole new level with this bold and creamy Jacked Mac N Cheese! Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni meets a luscious, velvety cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan for the ultimate trifecta of flavor. Infused with a kick of diced jalapeño, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes, this baked mac and cheese delivers just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting. Topped with golden, crunchy panko breadcrumbs, each bite is a heavenly combination of rich, cheesy indulgence and satisfying texture. Ideal as a main course or a show-stopping side dish, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and brimming with bold flavor. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of hot sauce for the perfect finishing touch.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 jalapeño, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Step 4

Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, pepper jack, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time. Stir until each addition is melted and smooth.

Step 6

Add the diced jalapeño, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.

Step 8

Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Jacked Mac N Cheese with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or a dash of hot sauce, if desired!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2010.8 grams (2010.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5355

Total Fat 326.30g	418%
Saturated Fat 191.40g	957%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.80g
Cholesterol 950mg	317%
Sodium 7078mg	308%
Total Carbohydrate 374.60g	136%
Dietary Fiber 16.50g	59%
Total Sugars 52.50g
Protein 220.00g	440%

Vitamin D 418IU	2091%
Calcium 5046mg	388%
Iron 19mg	105%
Potassium 1722mg	37%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.3%

Protein: 16.6%

Carbs: 28.2%