🔥 Mac N Cheese — Ultra Creamy, Extra Cheesy, Saria’s Kitchen Style
Ingredients
Mac & Cheese Base
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Kosher salt
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16 ounces elbow macaroni (smooth pasta, no ridges)
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1 ½ cups heavy cream
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8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
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8 ounces Pepper Jack cheese, grated (about 3 cups)
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1 ½ teaspoons mustard powder
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1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
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8 ounces white Cheddar cheese, grated (about 3 cups)
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Save 2 cups for topping if you plan to bake it!
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Crispy Garlic Topping (Optional… but life-changing)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 small garlic clove, minced
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3 cups panko breadcrumbs
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2 pinches kosher salt
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
2. Warm the Cheesy Sauce
Preheat your oven to 350°F, placing a rack in the top third.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the cream, milk, and butter until the butter melts.
Stir in the Pepper Jack, Cheddar, mustard powder, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt.
Mix until melted, smooth, and dreamy.
3. Serve as-is OR Bake for Extra Magic
You can stop right here and enjoy the stovetop version…
BUT if you want that signature Saria’s Kitchen glow-up:
To Bake:
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Pour the pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Spread evenly and top with the reserved Cheddar.
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Bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly and melted.
4. Make the Crispy Topping (Optional but iconic)
In a skillet over low heat, melt the butter.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute until softened.
Add panko + salt and toss to coat.
Increase heat to medium-low and toast 7–8 minutes, stirring often, until golden.
5. Finish & Serve
Let the baked mac rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle the crispy topping right before serving.
Saria’s Kitchen Tips
✨ Add sliced jalapeños before baking for that spicy kick.
✨ Mix in cooked bacon, chicken, ham, or ground beef for a protein-packed version.
✨ Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge; reheat at 300°F until warm and creamy.
🔥 LEVEL UP YOUR RECIPE
If this dish made you hungry, wait until you taste it with After Burner Hot Agave — the jalapeño lemon-lime sweet heat crafted in Saria’s Kitchen.
✨ Vegan
✨ No refined sugar
✨ Made for foodies, home cooks & spice lovers
✨ Perfect on breakfast, cocktails, meats, veggies, desserts… everything.
👉 Grab After Burner Hot Agave on Amazon:
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❤️ Want more spicy recipes? Browse the full collection on Saria’s Kitchen.