This Snoop Dogg mac and cheese is my go-to when I want comfort with a bit of swagger. It’s a recipe born from late-night kitchen improvising and a love for bold flavors. It’s not about perfection, but about making something soulful that sticks with you.
Why This Recipe Has My Heart
It’s a messy, unpretentious dish that reminds me of home and rebellion. The cheese pull, warm spices, and simple ingredients make every bite feel like a small victory. When I need comfort that doesn’t ask for perfection, this is what I turn to.
Breaking Down the Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp and creamy, it’s the backbone, but swap with a smoked variety for extra kick.
- Cream cheese: Adds richness and a smooth texture, can skip if you’re dairy-light.
- Milk and heavy cream: Make your sauce luscious; go for whole milk or cream for best results.
- Butter: Starts it all with a fragrant, golden base.
- Pasta (elbow macaroni): Classic, bouncy, and the perfect holder for cheesy goodness.
- Hot sauce or smoked paprika: A splash adds depth and a smoky, fiery aroma.
- Scallions or chives: Fresh herbs to cut through the richness.
Tools of the Trade for a Creamy, Cheesy Finish
- Large pot: Boil pasta efficiently and evenly.
- Colander: Drain pasta without breaking it.
- Saucepan: Make cheese sauce, preferably with high sides.
- Whisk: Combine cheese mixture smoothly and prevent clumps.
- Baking dish (optional): Finish in the oven for a crispy top.
How to Make Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese from Scratch
Step 1: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, aim for a rolling boil at about 100°C (212°F).
Step 2: Cook your pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions; it should still have a slight bite.
Step 3: Drain the pasta, but save a cup of that starchy water—it’s your secret weapon for sauce smoothness.
Step 4: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat (about 160°C/320°F) until bubbling and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Add in your cheese mixture, stirring constantly; it should melt into a gooey, smooth sauce in about 3–4 minutes.
Step 6: Combine the pasta with the cheese sauce, adding a splash of reserved water to loosen if needed.
Step 7: Finish with a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for that signature Snoop flair.
Step 8: Serve hot, with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or extra cheese on top.
Cooking Checkpoints & Tips for Perfect Results
- Pasta should be al dente, not mushy or underdone.
- Cheese sauce must be smooth and velvety, not grainy or separated.
- The final dish should be hot and bubbly, with a golden crust if baked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving—don’t be shy with that extra splash of hot sauce.
Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them
- Cheese sauce becomes grainy or greasy.? Use low heat when melting cheese to avoid separation.
- Clumpy sauce that won’t smooth out.? Add cheese gradually, stirring constantly.
- Pasta turns to mush after mixing.? Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente.
- Sauce curdles or separates.? Keep an eye on sauce temperature, don’t let it boil.
Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of starchy pasta water.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble and releases a fragrant aroma, about 2 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese to the melted butter and whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 3–4 minutes. It should feel velvety and slightly thickened.
- Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously to create a silky cheese sauce. Keep the heat moderate to prevent curdling; the sauce should thicken slightly and become smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, a handful at a time, whisking until each addition melts completely before adding the next. Continue until the sauce is rich and smooth.
- Stir in a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a smoky, spicy kick. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water.
- Transfer the cheesy pasta into a baking dish if you prefer a baked finish, or serve directly from the saucepan while hot and bubbling.
- Garnish with chopped scallions or chives for a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color.
- Serve immediately, enjoying the gooey, cheesy texture with a smoky aroma and a spicy kick in every bite.
Leave a Reply