Sweet Jalapeño Mac & Cheese with Fried Onion Crunch

• 16 oz Brami Curly Mac

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup whole milk

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish

• 12 oz sharp cheddar, freshly grated 

• 12 oz colby jack, freshly grated 

• 4 oz monterey jack, freshly grated

• 6 oz gouda, freshly grated

• 2 oz parmigiano reggiano, freshly grated

• 2 tbsp garlic powder

• ¾ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ¼ tsp cayenne

• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

• 2 tbsp Cloud 23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce (for the butter mixture)

• 3 tsbp Cloud 23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce (for the cheese mixture)

• Salt to taste

• 1 fresh sliced jalapeño

• 1/2 cup fried onions, for garnish
  

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 13x9 baking dish with butter. Set aside 2 cups of sharp cheddar and 2 cups of colby jack.

2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Brami Curly Mac and cook until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

3. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of Cloud 23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce and cook for another 30 seconds until the mixture is bubbling.

4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the mixture begins to bubble, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and gradually add the cheeses. Continue reserving the 4 cups for layering later. Stir the cheese until fully melted. Add 3 tablespoons of Cloud 23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce and season with salt to taste.

5. Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.

6. Spoon half of the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 2 cups of the reserved cheese (a mix of cheddar and colby jack) evenly over the middle layer. Add the remaining mac and cheese on top, then finish with the remaining 2 cups of cheese.

7. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted. Sprinkle with jalapeño slices and broil for another 2-3 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.

8. Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with fried onions and drizzle with extra Cloud 23 Sweet Jalapeño Hot Sauce for added heat.