Snoop Dogg’s Mac and Cheese with a Twist of Nostalgia and Soul

Snoop Dogg’s mac and cheese isn’t just a recipe, it’s a mood. It’s about turning simple ingredients into something soulful, with a little swagger and a lot of comfort. I’ve messed up plenty of times, but that’s part of the charm—learning to trust the process and taste along the way.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Dish

It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, especially when life’s chaotic. The smoky cheese aroma, the gooey texture—each bite sparks a little celebration of simple pleasures. It’s also endlessly customizable, so I can tweak and experiment without losing that nostalgic core.

What’s Inside the Bowl: Ingredient Truths

• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and gooey, it’s the backbone of this dish. Substitute with Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier melt.
• Milk: Adds creaminess, but you can swap with half-and-half for richness or a splash of heavy cream for extra velvety texture.
• Butter: Gives richness and helps thicken the sauce. Olive oil can work in a pinch, but it changes the flavor.
• Flour: Creates the roux, thickening the sauce. Gluten-free flour blends can replace it without losing the texture.
• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells or cavatappi add visual flair and hold sauce well.
• Hot sauce or smoked paprika (optional): Adds a smoky, spicy kick. Use in moderation, or skip for a pure cheese experience.
• Herbs (like parsley or chives): Fresh herbs brighten the dish. Dried can work, but fresh is best for flavor punch.

Gear Up: The Essentials for a Soulful Mac Attack

• Large pot: Boil pasta efficiently and evenly.
• Skillet: Make the cheese sauce and brown the top.
• Whisk: Combine ingredients smoothly and avoid lumps.
• Cheese grater: Freshly grate cheese for better melt and flavor.
• Baking dish: Finish the dish with a crispy, cheesy crown.

How to Make Snoop Dogg’s Mac and Cheese from Scratch

Step 1: Gather your equipment: a large pot for boiling, a sturdy skillet for sauce, a whisk, and a cheese grater.

Step 2: Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil—about 100°C/212°F. Cook your pasta until just al dente, around 8 minutes, then drain.

Step 3: In your skillet, melt butter over medium heat (about 160°C/320°F). Add flour and stir until golden, about 2 minutes—this is your roux.

Step 4: Slowly pour in milk while whisking, keep the heat steady. When it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, add cheeses gradually, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Combine pasta with cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 180°C/356°F for 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden.

Step 6: Let it rest 5 minutes before serving; this helps the cheese set a bit. Serve hot, with a sprinkle of chopped herbs or hot sauce if you like.

Step 7: Check for doneness: sauce should be creamy, pasta tender but firm, and top slightly crispy.

Cooking Checks and Tips to Keep It Real

• Cheese should melt smoothly without clumping or breaking apart.
• Pasta texture: tender but not mushy, with a slight bite.
• Sauce consistency: creamy and thick enough to coat the pasta without running.
• Baking: top should be bubbly and crispy, not burnt or soggy.

Common Pitfalls and How to Dodge Them

• Pouring all cheese in at once.? Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping.
• Cooking the cheese sauce on high heat.? Simmer gently to prevent curdling.
• Leaving the sauce unattended.? Stir constantly to keep sauce smooth.
• Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.? Use fresh cheese for better melt.

Snoop Dogg’s Mac and Cheese

This soulful mac and cheese combines sharp cheddar cheese with a creamy roux, baked to perfection for a gooey, golden finish. The dish features tender pasta coated in a rich, smoky cheese sauce, creating a comforting and customizable classic with a touch of swagger. It’s a warm hug in every bite, perfect for turning simple ingredients into a mood-lifting meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz elbow macaroni or shells, cavatappi
• 4 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 2 tbsp flour gluten-free if needed
• 1 cup milk or half-and-half, heavy cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
• to taste hot sauce or smoked paprika optional, for smoky spice
• parsley or chives a few fresh herbs for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Cheese grater
• Baking dish

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
   
2. In your skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to foam and smells nutty. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until the mixture turns golden and has a slightly nutty aroma.
   
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking steadily to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 3-4 minutes.
   
4. Add the grated cheddar cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. If you like a smoky kick, stir in hot sauce or smoked paprika now.
   
5. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated, feeling the creamy texture develop as you combine.
   
6. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top for a crispy crust when baked.
   
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
   
8. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving easier.
   
9. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a bright flavor boost and a pop of color.
   
10. Serve hot, scooping generous portions onto plates, and enjoy the gooey, smoky goodness that’s full of soulful comfort.

Notes

Feel free to customize with bacon, jalapeños, or extra cheeses for your personal twist.