What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about comfort food? For many people, it is macaroni and cheese and it may have been something they enjoyed since they were very young children. There is nothing quite like the creaminess, warmth and tastiness of this dish but when you add some Flamin’ Hot Doritos to the mix, you will find that it takes things to the next level.
If you are somebody that loves macaroni and cheese and if you love noshing on some Doritos every once in a while, the combination is going to delight you. Try this one for yourself and see if your family doesn’t continue to ask for it, over and over again. Just make sure you save some Doritos off to the side so you can munch on them later.
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter
¼ cup flour
1 cup milk
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups white cheddar, shredded
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound scooby doo noodles (cavatappi)
3 tablespoons butter
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup Flamin’ Hot Cheeto crumbs
Additional Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, for garnish if desired
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Boil pasta according to box directions cooking to al dente, then drain and set aside until ready to use.
In a large pot, melt the ¼ cup butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking and cooking about one minute, until well-incorporated and bubbling lightly. Bring the heat down slightly to medium-low, then add in the milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper. Continue whisking to incorporate, then add cheese, stirring until melted.
Transfer boiled noodles to pot of cheese sauce, stirring well until noodles are coated. Remove from heat, then transfer cheesy pasta to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a medium pan over medium heat, melt down the 3 tablespoons butter, then sprinkle in the panko breadcrumbs and crumbled Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Stir and toast crumbs until golden brown and well-incorporated. Sprinkle crumbs evenly in a layer over noodles, then bake 12-15 minutes, or until cheese has melted and top is golden brown.
Allow to sit 5 minutes, then serve with additional whole Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, if desired. Enjoy!