This Snoop Dogg-inspired mac and cheese is where comfort meets swagger. It’s a reminder that even the simplest dishes can carry layers of flavor when you add a little attitude and a lot of love. I love how the smoky heat from hot sauce and the richness of cheddar transform this classic into something more soulful.
Why This Recipe Won’t Leave Your Rotation
It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, but with layers of bold, smoky flavor. Perfect for nights when you need a little soul in your bowl. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—spicy, cheesy, or spicy-cheesy—whatever your mood, it’s got you.
The Flavors & Foundations
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp, tangy, melts into a velvety sauce. Swap with Gruyère for nuttier depth.
- Hot sauce: Adds smoky heat, brightens the dish. Use a splash of sriracha or chipotle for different vibes.
- Butter: Richness base for roux, enhances overall creaminess. Substitute with ghee for a nuttier note.
- Flour: Thickening agent, gives sauce structure. Whole wheat works fine if you want a nuttier touch.
- Pasta: Creamy, starchy foundation, varies in shape. Penne or elbows hold sauce well.
- Milk: Creaminess without heaviness, balances flavors. Almond milk can be a dairy-free option.
- Paprika: Adds a smoky, sweet aroma, enhances color. Smoked paprika intensifies the flavor.
Tools & Gadgets for the Job
- Large pot: Cook pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Whisk: Blend roux smoothly and prevent lumps.
- Baking dish: Bake the assembled mac and cheese until bubbling and crispy.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
- Rubber spatula: Fold ingredients gently and scrape the pan.
Step-by-Step for the Soulful, Cheesy Goodness
Step 1: Gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Step 2: Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth, about 1 minute.
Step 4: Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, around 5 minutes.
Step 5: Stir in sharp cheddar, melting it down into the creamy base. Add a splash of hot sauce for a smoky kick.
Step 6: Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, then transfer to a baking dish. Top with more cheese and a sprinkle of paprika.
Step 7: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and golden on top. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Keep It Real
- Ensure pasta is al dente, not mushy, for the perfect bite.
- Whisk the roux until smooth and bubbly, avoid clumps or burnt bits.
- Watch the sauce as it thickens; it should coat the back of a spoon without running.
- Bake until the top is golden and crispy, not just bubbly, for added texture.
Common Pitfalls & How to Fix Them
- Sauce gets too thick or clumpy.? Add a splash more milk, stir well to loosen thickened sauce.
- Top gets burnt or overly crispy.? Reduce oven heat or bake for less time to prevent over-browning.
- Lumps in the cheese sauce.? Stir continuously while adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Cheese sauce breaks or separates.? Use fresh cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Snoop Dogg-Inspired Smoky Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, listening for a gentle sizzle and watching it turn glossy.
- Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and pale, about 1 minute. This creates a roux that thickens the sauce.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps, and continue cooking until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and hot sauce, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, fragrant, and slightly bubbly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently with a spatula until evenly coated and creamy.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle with additional cheese and a light dusting of smoked paprika for color and extra flavor.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown with a crispy crust.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to settle and the cheese to set slightly for easier serving.
- Scoop out hearty portions, making sure to get that crispy top layer, and enjoy the bold, smoky flavors in every bite.
Leave a Reply