Spicy Mac & Cheese Recipe
Made with Tillamook extra-sharp, aged white cheddar in our house blend of spices. Served with a side of crostini add any meat for $3 (see back for selection)
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Ingredients
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Pasta & Cheese Sauce
House Spice Blend (spicy)
Crostini & Topping
Optional Add-ins (each +$3)
Method
Pasta & Cheese Sauce
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Make roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbs unsalted butter. Once foaming subsides, add 2 tbs all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until slightly nutty and bubbling but not browned.
Add milk and cream
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, breaking up any lumps. Continue whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 4–6 minutes.
Finish cheese sauce
Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 2 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 2 cups shredded Tillamook extra-sharp aged white cheddar and 1/2 cup reserved shredded cheddar for topping a little at a time, stirring until fully melted. Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. If sauce is too thick, add up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water or milk to reach desired consistency.
Incorporate pasta
Add the drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Keep warm over the lowest heat while preparing crostini and topping, about 1–2 minutes.
House Spice Blend (spicy)
In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp cayenne, 1/4 tsp chipotle powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp onion powder. Taste carefully; adjust cayenne for more or less heat. Stir half of the spice blend into the cheese sauce after the cheese is fully melted to incorporate heat evenly. Reserve remaining blend for finishing.
When plating, sprinkle the reserved spice blend over the mac & cheese to add an extra smoky-spicy finish.
Crostini & Topping
Prepare crostini
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss 6 baguette slices with 1 tbs olive oil and 1/4 tsp salt on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crisp, 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep warm.
Optional crisp topping
Mix 2 tbs panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbs grated Parmesan and a pinch of the house spice blend. Toast in a small skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp olive oil until golden, about 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Sprinkle over the mac & cheese before serving for extra texture.
Assemble & serve
Spoon mac & cheese into a warmed shallow bowl or small skillet. Sprinkle reserved 1/2 cup shredded cheddar over the top if desired and either broil for 1–2 minutes to melt and lightly brown or serve as-is. Finish with the reserved house spice blend to taste. Serve with crostini on the side. If adding meat, place 1/2 cup grilled chicken, 1/4 cup crumbled bacon, or 1/2 cup sliced Italian sausage on top or on the side (each +$3).