Craving a spicy, cheesy delight that packs a punch? This Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a fiery twist. Combining creamy cheese sauce with the bold flavor of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, this dish is perfect for those who like their mac and cheese with a kick. It’s easy to prepare in the microwave, making it a convenient option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Close-up of a spoon lifting a gooey, cheesy portion of Hot Cheetos macaroni and cheese with a crunchy red topping from a blue square baking dish. Title reads: Flamin' Hot Mac n Cheese in the Microwave

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese

Elbow macaroni noodles
Butter
All-purpose flour
Milk
Shredded cheese (cheddar, monterrey jack, colby, colby jack, etc.)
Salt
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
Panko bread crumbs

verhead view of a granite countertop with individual ingredients for mac and cheese in separate bowls, including shredded cheddar and white cheeses, crushed Hot Cheetos, panko bread crumbs, butter, heavy cream, and dry elbow macaroni.

How to Make Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese in the Microwave

In a microwave-safe baking dish (such as a 2½-quart CorningWare dish), combine 3 cups of water, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, and a dash of salt.

Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, drain any excess water and set aside.

In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.

Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds until the butter is melted. Stir the mixture until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and microwave for another 30 seconds.

Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir until the mixture is well combined. Microwave for 1 minute.

Add 8 ounces of shredded cheese to the milk mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.

Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in an 8×8-inch microwave-safe dish, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos with ½ cup of panko bread crumbs.

Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1½ minutes to warm the topping. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!

Tips & Suggestions

Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in the topping, or adding red pepper flakes to the cheeto/breadcrumb mixture. For a milder version, mix in regular panko bread crumbs.
Add Protein: Enhance the dish by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or ground beef to the macaroni before adding the cheese sauce.
Make It a Meal: Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.

FAQ

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of shredding a block of cheddar?
Yes, but shredding a block of cheddar cheese tends to melt more smoothly and provides a creamier texture.

Can I bake this dish instead of microwaving it?
Absolutely! After assembling the mac and cheese with the topping, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.

How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave until warmed through.

More Pasta Recipes

Recipes to Pair with this Recipe

6 servings

Flamin' Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese

Name: Flamin' Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 23 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni noodles; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 cup milk; 8 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, colby, monterrey jack, colby-jack); Salt, to taste; ½ cup Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed; ½ cup panko bread crumbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
8 ounces shredded cheese (cheddar, colby, monterrey jack, colby-jack)
Salt, to taste
½ cup Flamin' Hot Cheetos, crushed
½ cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

In a microwave-safe baking dish (such as a 2½-quart CorningWare dish), combine 3 cups of water, 2 cups of elbow macaroni, and a dash of salt.
Microwave on HIGH for 10 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is al dente, drain any excess water and set aside.
In a separate microwave-safe bowl, add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds until the butter is melted.
Stir the mixture until smooth. Add a pinch of salt and microwave for another 30 seconds.
Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir until the mixture is well combined. Microwave for 1 minute.
Add 8 ounces of shredded cheese to the milk mixture, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Microwave for an additional 30 seconds if needed.
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in an 8x8-inch microwave-safe dish, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated.
In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos with ½ cup of panko bread crumbs.
Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Microwave on HIGH for 1 to 1½ minutes to warm the topping. Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 371Total Fat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 460mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 16g

Any nutritional information on justmicrowaveit.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate.

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How to make Microwave Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Macaroni and Cheese