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Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe with Spicy Hot Honey Drizzle

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A creamy, comforting mac and cheese with a unique sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle that adds a delightful kick. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (225 grams)
  • 3 cups whole milk (720 ml), warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200 grams)
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded (100 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (45 grams), softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/3 cup honey (110 grams)
  • 1–2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions (usually 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (45 g) of unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in 3 tablespoons (24 g) of all-purpose flour. Keep whisking constantly for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns light golden without browning.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups (720 ml) of warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Continue whisking and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Lower the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheese—2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar and 1 cup (100 g) Gruyère—stirring until smooth and melted. Keep the sauce warm but do not boil.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold together until every noodle is coated. Adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it.
  6. In a small saucepan, gently warm 1/3 cup (110 g) honey over low heat. Stir in 1-2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of smoked paprika if using. Let it infuse for 3-4 minutes without boiling or burning.
  7. Spoon the creamy mac and cheese into bowls or a serving dish. Drizzle the spicy hot honey generously over the top and serve warm.

Notes

Use warm milk to avoid lumps in the sauce. Whisk constantly when making the roux and sauce to keep it smooth. Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent graininess. Al dente pasta is key to avoid mushiness. Warm honey slowly to avoid burning and bitterness. The spicy hot honey drizzle can be adjusted to taste by varying crushed red pepper flakes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour. For dairy-free, substitute with plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, spicy hot honey, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta, family recipe

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-spicy-hot-honey-drizzle-easy-perfect-dinner/