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.
Notes
Hi, I’m Noah Bennett, the creator behind Breathing In Flavors. For me, cooking begins with a breath. Before the first bite, before the plating, before the garnish, there is that quiet moment when steam rises and you inhale. That is where flavor truly begins. Breathing In Flavors is my space to slow down, appreciate ingredients, and cook with awareness. I am so glad you’re here.
The creator behind Breathing In Flavors.
For me, cooking begins with a breath. Before the first bite, before the plating, before the garnish, there is that quiet moment when steam rises and you inhale. That is where flavor truly begins.
Breathing In Flavors is my space to slow down, appreciate ingredients, and cook with awareness. I am so glad you’re here.
