This Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese isn’t just a recipe—it’s a mood. It’s about those lazy nights when you crave something creamy, cheesy, and just a little bit cool. I’ve tweaked the usual to include a smoky touch, making it feel like a midnight jam session in a bowl.
Why This Recipe Always Gets Revisited
Because it’s soul-satisfying without fuss, and adjusting the smoky spice makes it endlessly customizable.
What’s Inside the Magic Pot?
- Cheddar cheese: The gooey heart of the dish, opt for sharp for more flavor or mild for creaminess.
- Pasta (elbow macaroni): The base, needs to be cooked al dente so it holds up in the sauce.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create that glossy cheese sauce.
- Milk (whole or 2%): Provides the creamy liquid backbone, a splash at a time.
- Garlic: Gives a fragrant punch; skip if you prefer a milder taste.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth, optional but highly recommended.
- Hot sauce: For a tangy kick, adjust to your heat preference.
Tools of the Trade for a Creamy Dream
- Large pot: Boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
- Heavy-bottomed pan: Cooking cheese sauce without scorching.
- Whisk: Smoothly incorporating milk and avoiding lumps.
- Measuring cups/spoons: Getting the seasoning and liquids just right.
- Grater: Shredding cheese for that perfect melt.
Crafting the Perfect Snoop-Style Cheese Cream
Step 1: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt butter over medium heat until it’s bubbling and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add minced garlic and a pinch of smoked paprika; cook until the garlic is golden and smells rich, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Lower the heat, add shredded cheddar and a splash of hot sauce, stir until melted and velvety.
Step 6: Mix the pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece gets coated with that gooey goodness.
Step 7: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or hot sauce as needed. Serve immediately for best gooeyness.
Cheese, Sauce, and Pasta—Oh My!
- Ensure the cheese sauce is smooth and velvety before mixing with pasta.
- Avoid overheating the cheese to prevent it from becoming stringy or greasy.
- Taste the sauce before serving—adjust seasoning for perfect flavor balance.
Avoid These Common Cheese Mishaps
- Cheese becomes greasy or stringy.? Use low heat while melting cheese to prevent separation.
- Lumpy cheese sauce.? Stir constantly when adding milk to avoid lumps.
- Cheese not melting smoothly.? Add cheese gradually, not all at once.
- Mushy pasta.? Don’t overcook pasta; it will continue to cook in the sauce.
Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble and releases a fragrant aroma, about 2 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the melted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the garlic turns golden and fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 1 minute until the mixture is smooth and slightly golden.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook, whisking often, until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently, about 5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese and a dash of hot sauce. Stir until the cheese melts into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with the creamy, smoky cheese mixture.
- Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more hot sauce or salt as desired. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.
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