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Hell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese

Hell’s Kitchen Mac and Cheese is a hearty, chaotic comfort dish that combines al dente pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Its imperfect, bubbling appearance with crispy edges makes it as visually satisfying as it is indulgent. This dish embraces mess and flavor, offering a satisfying bite every time.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 620
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta (elbows or cavatappi) preferably a sturdy shape
  • 2 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp preferred
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese optional for extra meltiness
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
  • 1 tbsp butter melted, for topping
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika optional, for flavor
  • 1 tsp mustard powder adds depth to cheese sauce

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Grater
  • Baking dish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat until it starts to foam and smells nutty. Add the flour and whisk vigorously to form a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbling.
  3. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower the heat and slowly add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, whisking until the cheeses melt into a smooth, cheesy sauce. Stir in the mustard powder and season with salt if needed.
  5. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  6. Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and smoked paprika, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the pasta.
  7. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the dish uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to set slightly. This makes serving easier and prevents gooey messes.
  9. Scoop onto plates, drizzle with a little extra melted butter if desired, and enjoy the imperfect, cheesy chaos of this hearty dish.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add a dash of hot sauce for extra kick. Resting time helps the cheese set for cleaner slices.