Spicy Mac and Cheese

By miss5elements

Ingredients

• CROUTONS:
• 1 T unsalted butter
• 4 slices white bread, cut into 1/2" squares
• Kosher salt
• PASTA:
• Unsalted butter, for greasing pan
• 2 c elbow pasta
• 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz pepper Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 t all-purpose flour
• 1/2 t kosher salt
• 1/2 t ground black pepper
• 1/2 t cayenne pepper
• 1/2 t dry mustard
• 1/8 t ground nutmeg
• 1/4 c sour cream
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 c grated sweet onion
• 1 c heavy cream
• 1 c half-and-half

Details

Preparation time 20mins
Cooking time 70mins
Adapted from oprah.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. To make croutons: In a lg skillet, melt butter over med heat.
2. Add bread; stir until golden.
3. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate & season w/a pinch of salt. Set aside.

1. To make pasta: Preheat oven to 350F. Butter a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Bring a lg pot of salted water to a boil & cook pasta until almost al dente; drain, then return pasta to pot.
3. In a med bowl, combine Cheddar, Colby, & Jack.
4. Mix 2/3 of cheese with pasta. Set aside.
5. In a lg bowl, combine flour, salt, black pepper, cayenne, mustard, nutmeg, sour cream, egg, onion, heavy cream, & half-and-half.
6. Pour over pasta & mix.
7. Transfer to a baking dish & scatter remaining cheese over top.
8. Bake uncovered until just beginning to brown, about 35 min.
9. Top w/croutons & bake until golden brown, about 10 min more.
10. Let sit 15 min before serving.