Recipe

Masala Macaroni & Cheese – Creamy, Spicy, Cheesy & Easy

Prep: 
5 mins
Cook: 
40 mins

Ingredients

Butter - 1 tbsp

Oil - 1 tbsp

Green Chili - 1, finely chopped

Ginger Garlic Paste - 3 tbsp

Onion (medium) - 1, finely chopped

Corn - 3/4 cup frozen

Garam Masala - 1 tsp

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp

Coriander Powder - 1 tsp

Red Chili Powder - 1 tsp

Tomato Paste - 3 oz (half small can)

Heavy Cream - 1.5 cups

Water - 1 cup

Sour Cream - 1 cup

Gruyere / Gouda Cheese - 1.5 cup, grated

Cheddar Cheese - 1.5 cup, grated

Salt - 2 tsp

Macaroni Pasta - 1 lb

Cheddar / Gouda Mix - 1 cup, grated

Bread Crumbs - 1/4 cup

Green Chili - 1, sliced

Cilantro - chopped, garnish

This Masala Mac & Cheese Recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving dish to spice up the dinner table. A spicy masala cheese sauce with cream, cheddar, and gruyere cheese mixed with macaroni and baked until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy. From the kids to the adults, this Indian twist on an American classic is something the entire family will love.

This restaurant / family style recipe is perfect for leftovers because the cheese sauce will stay creamy after being refrigerated! Just heat it up, stir, and enjoy its creamy goodness.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Masala Mac & Cheese. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Indian Style Macaroni calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our Masala Macaroni and Cheese recipe in hindi!

Instructions

1) Put a large pot filled with water and a few teaspoons of salt over high heat to prepare for the macaroni pasta.

How to Make The Masala Cheese Sauce:

1) In a large cast iron pan over medium/high heat, add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter.

2) Once the butter is melted and hot, add 1 finely chopped green chili and 3 tbsp ginger garlic paste. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.

3) Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and saute for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

4) Add 3/4 cup frozen corn and 1 pinch of salt. Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.

PRO TIP: Feel free to add more veggies if you want - this sauce can handle it!

5) For the spices, add 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp red chili powder. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.

6) Add 3 oz of tomato paste (about half of a small can), 1 cup of water, and 1.5 cups of heavy cream. Mix the tomato paste into the liquid using a whisk until it is fully dissolved and mixed together.

7) Cook on medium for about 5 minutes (stirring occasionally) until bubbles begin to form.

8) Add 1 cup of sour cream, and whisk it into the sauce.

9) After the sauce is thoroughly mixed, add 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.

10) Add 1.5 cups of grated gruyere cheese and mix thoroughly.

11) Season the cheese sauce to taste with about 2 tsp of salt.

PRO TIP: Taste test your sauce to make sure the salt level is right!

12) Reduce heat to low, and keep warm while stirring occasionally.

Making Masala Macaroni & Cheese:

1) Once the pot of water has come to a boil, add the 1 lb package of macaroni pasta (large elbows) and stir.

2) Boil for 8-9 minutes depending on the package directions, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.

3) After the time is up, stain the macaroni immediately and add it into the cast iron with cheese sauce.

PRO TIP: If your cast iron is not big enough, mix it together in a large baking dish!

4) Top with 1 cup of grated cheddar / gouda cheese, slices of green chili and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.

5) Broil the mac & cheese in the oven for 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6) Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot!

7) Store & refrigerate the leftovers for more creamy, cheesy goodness for up to four days.

This Masala Mac & Cheese Recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving dish to spice up the dinner table. A spicy masala cheese sauce with cream, cheddar, and gruyere cheese mixed with macaroni and baked until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy. From the kids to the adults, this Indian twist on an American classic is something the entire family will love.

This restaurant / family style recipe is perfect for leftovers because the cheese sauce will stay creamy after being refrigerated! Just heat it up, stir, and enjoy its creamy goodness.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Masala Mac & Cheese. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Indian Style Macaroni calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below. We also have an option to view our Masala Macaroni and Cheese recipe in hindi!

Leave a review

We value your feedback. Let us know how did you like the recipe.

Your Recipe rating*

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Recent Recipes

Meen Manga Curry – Tangy Raw Mango & Creamy Coconut Fish Curry

Discover the perfect balance of tangy and creamy flavors with this Fish Mango Alleppey Curry recipe! Made with fresh tilapia, raw mango, and rich coconut milk, this South Indian delicacy is infused with aromatic spices, curry leaves, and a hint of heat from green chilies. Cooked to perfection in a clay pot for an authentic taste, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers. Serve it with steamed rice for a comforting and flavorful meal. Try this easy and delicious recipe today!

Prep: 
20 mins
30 mins

Fish Mango Curry is a flavorful South Indian dish that combines the tanginess of raw mango with the richness of coconut milk, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This coastal favorite, especially popular in Kerala, features tilapia simmered in a fragrant gravy infused with garlic, ginger, shallots, curry leaves, and green chilies. The dish gets its vibrant color from Kashmiri chili powder and coriander powder, while raw mango slices add a refreshing tartness that complements the creamy coconut milk. 

Cooking Alleppey or Meen Manga curry in a clay pot enhances the depth of flavor, making the curry even more aromatic. As the fish gently cooks, it absorbs the spices, resulting in a tender, flavorful dish best enjoyed with steamed rice or appam. A final drizzle of coconut oil and fresh curry leaves adds an irresistible finishing touch, making this an ideal recipe for seafood lovers craving bold, tropical flavors.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Fish Mango Curry. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Fish Mango calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Aloo Paratha – Easy Paratha Recipe with Potato Filling

Learn how to make Aloo Paratha at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Soft wheat flour dough stuffed with a spiced potato filling and rolled out to perfection. Cooked on a tawa with ghee until golden and crisp, this classic Indian flatbread pairs great with yogurt, pickle, or chutney. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this comforting dish is simple to make and full of flavor.

Prep: 
10 mins
15 mins

Aloo Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato filling and cooked on a tawa until golden and crispy. Made with whole wheat flour dough, this dish is a staple in North Indian households, often enjoyed for breakfast or lunch. The dough is prepared with wheat flour, yogurt, salt, and a touch of oil or ghee to keep it soft and pliable. 

The vegetarian filling is made with mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and a blend of warm spices like cumin, garam masala, and chili powder. When combined, these ingredients create a flavorful and comforting dish that pairs well with yogurt, pickles, or chutney.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Aloo Paratha. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Aloo Paratha calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.

Kunafa Recipe – A Crispy, Cheesy Dessert for Eid

Make Kunafa at home this Eid ul Fitr with this easy step-by-step recipe. This Middle Eastern dessert has crispy, golden kataifi dough, a soft and cheesy filling, and a sweet sugar syrup drizzle, finished with chopped pistachios. Whether using Nabulsi cheese or mozzarella, this Kunafa comes together with simple ingredients and a few pro tips for a rich, flavorful treat. Serve it warm and enjoy a festive dessert that brings everyone together for the celebration.

Prep: 
15 mins
30 mins

Kunafa (Knafeh) is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with crispy kataifi dough, a rich and gooey cheese filling, and a fragrant sugar syrup drizzle. This festive treat is especially popular during Eid celebrations, bringing together layers of texture and flavor in every bite. The crispy golden strands of kataifi dough are soaked in butter, wrapped around a creamy cheese filling, and cooked until perfectly golden. A drizzle of homemade sugar syrup adds just the right amount of sweetness, while a garnish of pistachios gives it a nutty crunch.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Knafeh. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our Knafeh calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.