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If you’re looking for the ultimate upgrade to classic mac and cheese, this Chilli Crisp Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Creamy, cheesy and packed with bold flavour, this recipe combines rich Red Leicester and mature cheddar with smoky paprika, garlic and a drizzle of honey for the perfect balance of savoury and sweet.
The finishing touch? A generous spoonful of chilli crisp baked over the bubbling cheese to create crispy, spicy pockets of flavour in every bite. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends come over.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp plain flour
- 750ml whole milk
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp mixed herbs
- 1 tbsp chilli crisp
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 200g grated Red Leicester
- 200g grated mature cheddar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 400g cooked macaroni
- 50g extra grated Red Leicester
- 50g extra grated mature cheddar
- 1 tbsp chilli crisp (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (fan).
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to create a smooth roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until smooth. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, mixed herbs, chilli crisp, salt and pepper.
- Add the grated Red Leicester and mature cheddar, stirring until fully melted and silky smooth.
- Stir through the honey.
- Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to an ovenproof baking dish.
- Sprinkle over the remaining Red Leicester and cheddar.
- Spoon the remaining tablespoon of chilli crisp over the cheese.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden, bubbling and lightly crisp on top.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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