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Hell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese

Hell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese is a bold, chaotic twist on classic comfort food. It combines spicy hot sauce, sharp cheddar, and gooey cheese with tender pasta, creating a dish with crispy edges, stretchable cheese, and a rich, creamy interior. The final appearance is a bubbling, cheesy mess with charred, golden-brown accents that celebrate imperfection.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or short shapes) sturdy varieties hold sauce well
  • 2 tbsp butter salted, for richness
  • 2 tbsp flour to thicken the sauce
  • 1 cup whole milk for creaminess
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream adds richness
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese adds depth
  • 2 tsp hot sauce smoky or cayenne
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs for crunch, optional
  • 1 tbsp melted butter for topping

Equipment

  • Large saucepan
  • Deep skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Whisk
  • Slotted spoon
  • Oven (optional)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a deep skillet or cast-iron pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it sizzles softly. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 30 seconds, creating a fragrant, slightly nutty roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes. You should see it coat the back of a spoon and develop a glossy sheen.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and hot sauce, then whisk until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is velvety, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, gently tossing to coat all the noodles evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a splash of milk until it coats the pasta beautifully.
  6. Transfer the cheesy pasta to a baking dish if you want a crispy top. Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the pasta. Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 10-12 minutes until bubbly and golden, or broil for 2 minutes for a charred, crispy finish.
  7. Remove from oven or broiler, let rest for 2 minutes to settle, then serve hot. The dish should be bubbling around the edges, with stretchable, gooey cheese and slightly charred, crispy bits on top.

Notes

For extra chaos, sprinkle with additional hot sauce or chopped herbs before serving. Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stove, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.