Hot Honey Pepperoni Mac & Cheese

Sweet, spicy, cheesy, and crispy… the ultimate comfort bake.

By @gidsgids

Original recipe source

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 box elbow macaroni
• 1 cup water
• 1 pint half & half
• 32 oz Velveeta cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 portion cheese sauce
• 1 portion cooked pasta
• 0.5 portion shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 portion shredded cheddar cheese blend
• 0.5 portion reserved cheese sauce
• 0.5 portion cooked pasta
• 0.5 portion shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 portion shredded cheddar cheese blend
• 0.5 portion reserved cheese sauce
• 1 portion pepperoni slices
• 1 drizzle hot honey
• 1 drizzle hot honey

Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions (or your preferred doneness). Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot over low heat, add water, half & half, Velveeta, shredded cheddar, and seasonings. Heat slowly, stirring occasionally, until everything is fully melted and smooth. Do NOT let it boil—keeping it on low prevents scorching.
3. Mix half of the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta.
4. In a baking dish, spread half the macaroni, then layer with mozzarella, cheddar, and a drizzle of the reserved cheese sauce.
5. Add the second layer of pasta, more shredded cheeses, and more sauce.
6. Top with pepperoni slices and a drizzle of hot honey.
7. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes, then broil 2–3 minutes until the top is golden and lightly crisp.
8. Finish with another drizzle of hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy that sweet-spicy-cheesy goodness.