Flamin' Cheetos Mac N Cheese

A few years ago, I noticed this flaming version of Mac N Cheese go viral on social media. It was served at a local spot somewhere on the West Coast. I was personally intrigued by the concept and decided to make my own version! I would highly recommend you try this recipe asap - it's THAT good ..mmm...Mmmmmm...

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Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow pasta
• 1 stick unsalted butter 
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2½ cups half and half or heavy cream
• 4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Sprinkle of ghost pepper chili flakes (optional).
• 1/2 Pkt Flamin’ Cheetos

​Preparation

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees and grease a 9x13 baking dish. Set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook per package instructions or 2 minutes less for al dente.
• Meanwhile, toss all the grated cheese together. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and butter. Whisk to combine. Cook for approximately 1 min. 
• Slowly pour in 2 cups of the milk/half and half, while whisking constantly, until smooth.
• Pour in remaining milk and continue whisking.
• Stir in spices. The sauce should be a good, thick consistency.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce. Pour half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1½ cups of grated cheeses, then top that with remaining pasta.
• Sprinkle the top with cheese, then crushed Cheetos and bake for 15 minutes, until cheese is golden brown.​​