Snoop Dogg’s mac and cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s a vibe. It’s about infusing that rich, smoky flavor that makes you want to keep spooning more, even after you’re full. I’ve tweaked and played with the ingredients over the years, and this version hits all those notes of comfort and swagger.
Why This Recipe Will Keep Calling You Back
It’s the perfect blend of smoky, cheesy, and creamy — satisfying every time. This recipe’s bold flavors and comforting texture make it a go-to when you need a quick, soulful meal. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so it always feels fresh, even as the seasons change.
Breaking Down the Key Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and tangy, it forms the creamy backbone of the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding stretch and gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Salty and umami, it boosts flavor and sharpens the cheese profile.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta that catches all that cheesy goodness.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky aroma and a gentle warmth.
- Heavy cream: Rich and velvety, it makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
- Butter and flour: Create a roux that thickens and enriches the cheese sauce.
Tools of the Trade for a Smooth Ride
- Large pot: Boiling pasta evenly and efficiently.
- Skillet: Making the cheese sauce with control.
- Whisk: Getting that roux and sauce perfectly smooth.
- Baking dish: Getting the crispy topping and baked finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensuring accurate ingredient ratios.
Cooking Up the Perfect Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese Process
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180°C (355°F).
Step 2: Cook 400g of elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for 8 minutes until just al dente.
Step 3: Drain and set aside, keeping a cup of pasta water.
Step 4: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking quickly for 1 minute to make a roux.
Step 6: Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly.
Step 7: Combine shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and a dash of Parmesan into the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
Step 8: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick.
Step 9: Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Step 10: Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Step 11: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to settle the flavors.
How to Tell When Your Mac and Cheese Is Just Right
- The cheese sauce should be silky and coat the pasta evenly.
- The top should be bubbling and golden, with some crispy edges.
- The bake time ensures a warm, gooey center without drying out.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
- Cheese sauce breaks or gets greasy.? USE LOW HEAT when melting cheese to prevent separation.
- Cheese clumps or doesn’t melt smoothly.? ADD cheese gradually, stirring constantly.
- Dry, rubbery cheese top.? Keep an eye on bake time; overbaking can dry out the cheese.
- Sauce is clumpy or stiff.? Stir in pasta water if sauce is too thick.
Snoop Dogg’s Smoky Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Skillet
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
- 400 g elbow macaroni cook until just al dente
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for flavor boost
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky aroma
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, saving a cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam and smells nutty.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute, creating a smooth roux that begins to bubble and turn lightly golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes, and becomes silky.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until each addition melts smoothly into the sauce. Sprinkle in smoked paprika and stir to combine.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing well. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta to a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle a little extra cheese and smoked paprika on top for added flavor and color.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (355°F) for about 20 minutes, until bubbling around the edges and the top turns golden brown with crispy edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes—this helps settle the flavors and makes serving easier.
- Scoop into bowls and enjoy the rich, smoky, cheesy goodness with a crispy top and gooey interior.
