Spicy Macaroni and Cheese — Meatless Monday

Upgrade your mac-and-cheese game with one key ingredient: cayenne pepper.

Related To:

Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

While some recipes require a bit of (worthwhile) finagling to make them meatless, macaroni and cheese isn't one of them. Kids and adults, meat eaters and vegetarians, picky eaters and voracious culinarians — seemingly everyone is pleased when a bowl of piping-hot, ooey-gooey mac and cheese is set before them.

When it comes to classic recipes, this one for baked macaroni and cheese and this one for the stovetop variety are go-to places to start. But for a next-level twist on the traditional version, try Sunny Anderson's 5-star Spicy Macaroni and Cheese (pictured above). It boasts all of the cheesy richness you crave — there are a whopping three kinds of cheeses in this indulgent recipe — but the pinch of cayenne adds a welcome boost of heat. To add to the creamy texture in this big-batch casserole, Sunny adds a bit of tangy sour cream to the cheese mixture, and then she balances out that texture with a crispy-crunchy topping of buttery croutons.

Get the Recipe: Spicy Macaroni and Cheese

Meatless Monday, an international movement, encourages people everywhere to cut meat one day a week for personal and planetary health. Browse more Meatless Monday recipes.

Next Up

Spinach and Artichoke Macaroni and Cheese — Meatless Monday

Cozy up to winter comfort food without the calories using Food Network Kitchen's surprisingly healthy recipe for macaroni and cheese.

Mini Mac and 'Shrooms — Meatless Monday

Upgrade your macaroni-and-cheese game by adding hearty, earthy mushrooms with the help of Food Network Magazine's easy recipe.

The One Ingredient You Need to Make the Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

Sorry, butter and milk — you’ve officially been replaced.

Best 5 Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Check out Food Network's top-five recipes for decadent macaroni and cheeses from Trisha, Alton and more chefs.

Basil Pesto — Meatless Monday

A fresh, no-cook sauce that takes just moments to prepare, Food Network Magazine's Basil Pesto is a must-have summer sauce.

Skillet Lasagna — Meatless Monday

Prepare Food Network Magazine's lasagna on the stove and serve with Giada's Mixed Green Salad With Sherry Vinaigrette and Rachael's Garlic Bread.

Meatless Monday for Meat Eaters

This Meatless Monday, check out three of Food Network Magazine’s heartiest, most flavorful vegetarian recipes that will please even the meat eaters.

Farmers’ Market Salads — Meatless Monday

Food Network's farmers' market-fresh salads are bursting with naturally sweet, fresh flavors, and make an easy meatless meal.

Minestrone with Gnocchi — Meatless Monday

Learn the secret to serving up Food Network Magazine's warming bowl in a hurry.

Broccoli Pesto Pizza — Meatless Monday

Homemade pizza in 30 minutes — yes, it's possible, and it's shockingly easy to pull off.