Mac & Cheese with Secret Ingredient

The secret ingredient in this macaroni and cheese is hot sauce, specifically Frank’s Red Hot. Adding hot sauce to a recipe involving cheese is an old chef’s trick that enhances the flavor of the cheese. You can use any hot sauce you’d like, but each one may require a different amount. This recipe is not spicy when made as written. Classic mac and cheese is made with cheddar cheese, preferably sharp cheddar cheese. Other similar cheeses that melt well will work; use on their own or a combination. Gouda, white cheddar, provolone, brie, and fontina are some options.

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

(If you want to brown the top, preheat an oven to 200°C — this is optional). Lightly grease a 9x13 (22x33cm?) pan.

Step 2

Fill a large pot with water, and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni; cook until al dente. Drain well. Pour noodles into prepared 9x13 pan.

Step 3

Meanwhile in a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

Step 4

Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, mustard powder, and milk; whisk until smooth. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, for 3-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Step 5

Reduce heat to low, and whisk in cheese and hot sauce. Pour cheese sauce over noodles in prepared 9x13 pan and stir to coat.

Step 6

Optional: Bake, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Serve hot.