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Flavorful Carolina Reaper Mac and Cheese Recipe with Fiery Kick Made Easy

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A creamy, spicy mac and cheese infused with the intense heat of Carolina Reaper peppers, balanced with sharp cheddar and mozzarella for a comforting dish with a fiery twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta shape
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups (225 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 small Carolina Reaper pepper or 1/2 teaspoon Carolina Reaper powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: 1/2 cup (50 g) panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour. Whisk constantly for about 2 minutes until golden and slightly bubbly.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook and stir for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in finely minced Carolina Reaper pepper (or powder), 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt to taste, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and gradually stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  6. Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until fully coated.
  7. Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mac and cheese into an 8×8-inch baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
  8. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and flavors to settle.

Notes

Handle Carolina Reaper peppers with gloves and caution due to extreme heat. Start with less pepper if sensitive to spice. Baking is optional for a crunchy topping. Use fresh shredded cheese for best melt and texture. To loosen thick sauce after baking, stir in a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: Carolina Reaper, mac and cheese, spicy mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, fiery mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/flavorful-carolina-reaper-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-fiery-kick-made-easy/