Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese: A Couchside Classic with a Jazzy Twist

Snoop Dogg’s mac and cheese isn’t just about the cheese—it’s about the vibe. There’s a certain swagger in combining creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors into one dish that feels both nostalgic and rebellious. I love how it turns a simple comfort food into an experience, almost like a little party in your mouth.

Why This Recipe Calls You Back

It’s a quick fix for any bad day, a creamy escape that’s always there when comfort’s needed. The smoky, cheesy kick keeps each bite exciting, never dull. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that gets better with every tweak and reheating, always ready for round two.

Inside the Ingredients – No Secrets Here

• Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides that rich, tangy base flavor that makes it unmistakably cheesy.
• Cream cheese: Adds creaminess and a slight tang, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky note that elevates the dish’s depth.
• Hot sauce: A splash wakes up the palate, balancing the richness.
• Pasta (elbow macaroni or shells): The vessel for all that cheesy goodness, should be cooked just right.
• Butter & flour: Create a roux that thickens and stabilizes the sauce.
• Milk & heavy cream: Builds the creamy base, make sure it’s fresh for best flavor.

Tools & Equipment for a Smooth Ride

• Large pot: Boil pasta and make the sauce in it.
• Whisk: Combine ingredients smoothly, avoiding lumps.
• Oven-safe baking dish: Finish the dish with a crispy top.
• Grater: Shred cheese to melt evenly.
• Ladle: Serve a neat portion of cheesy goodness.

Crafting the Perfect Snoop Dogg Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil a large pot of water, salted like the sea, and cook your pasta until just al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 2: Drain the pasta, toss in a little butter, and set aside to keep it from sticking.

Step 3: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour — it should smell nutty, not burnt.

Step 4: Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Keep It Real

• Pasta should be firm to bite, not mushy, for the best texture.
• Sauce should coat the back of your spoon and cling without sliding off.
• Cheese should melt smoothly, avoiding clumps or oily separation.
• Look for a golden, bubbly top before pulling it off the heat, about 10-15 minutes in the oven.

Common Flops & How to Keep It Cool

• Burnt or scorched sauce.? Reduce heat if sauce starts to scorch, then whisk in a splash of cold milk.
• Watery cheese sauce.? Drain pasta thoroughly, excess water will water down the sauce.
• Stringy, clumpy cheese.? Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
• Over-torching the cheese topping.? Cover with foil if the top burns before the inside is heated through.

Snoop Dogg’s Mac and Cheese

This mac and cheese combines creamy, smoky, and spicy flavors into a rich, velvety sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. The dish is finished with a golden, bubbly crust, offering a satisfying balance of smoothness and crispy topping. It’s a bold comfort food with a vibe, perfect for satisfying cravings and turning simple ingredients into a party in your mouth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 oz pasta (elbow macaroni or shells) cooked just until al dente
• 2 tbsp butter plus extra for tossing pasta
• 2 tbsp flour creates the roux for thickening
• 1 cup milk fresh for best flavor
• 1 cup heavy cream adds richness and creaminess
• 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
• 4 oz cream cheese softened for smooth sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika for smoky flavor
• 1 dash hot sauce to add a spicy kick
• ½ cup grated cheese (for topping) optional, for crispy crust

Equipment

• Large pot
• Whisk
• Oven-safe baking dish
• Grater
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and toss with a little butter to prevent sticking.
   
2. In a separate large pan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to shimmer and smell nutty. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smooth.
   
3. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking to create a smooth, thickened sauce, about 5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon with a glossy finish.
   
4. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, smoked paprika, and a dash of hot sauce. Keep whisking until the cheese melts completely into a creamy, smooth sauce without lumps.
   
5. Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish.
   
6. Sprinkle grated cheese evenly over the top, then place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
   
7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. The cheese topping will firm up slightly, and the aroma of smoky cheese will fill the air.
   
8. Serve hot, ladling generous portions onto plates, and enjoy the rich, smoky, cheesy goodness with a crispy crust on top.
   

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne or a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving.