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

Homemade Baingan Bharta – Vegetarian Smoky Mashed Eggplant with Tomatoes & Garlic

Make delicious Baingan Bharta at home with this step-by-step recipe video. Roasted eggplant is mashed and sautéed with garlic, onions, tomatoes, and bold Indian spices like cumin, mustard seeds, and chili powder. This smoky and flavorful dish is perfect with warm roti or naan. A must-try vegetarian recipe packed with heat, texture, and comfort.

Prep: 
5 mins
30 mins

Baingan Bharta is a classic Indian dish made from fire-roasted eggplant that’s mashed and cooked with a flavorful blend of onions, tomatoes, garlic, green chilies, and warm spices. The smokiness from the roasted eggplant gives the dish its signature depth and earthy aroma. Traditionally enjoyed with roti or naan, this dish transforms a simple vegetable into a comforting and bold side that pairs perfectly with any Indian meal.

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

Classic Rava Upma Recipe – A One-Pot South Indian Breakfast Favorite Made with Semolina and Spices

Discover how to make soft, fluffy Rava Upma—a savory South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina, ghee, mustard seeds, curry leaves, and sautéed vegetables. This comforting recipe is perfect for mornings when you want something warm, wholesome, and flavorful. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple to prepare and pairs wonderfully with coconut chutney, chana curry, or even a cup of masala chai.

Prep: 
10 mins
20 mins

Rava Upma, also known as Suji Upma, is a comforting and wholesome South Indian breakfast dish made with roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and sautéed vegetables. It’s quick to prepare, light on the stomach, and full of flavor—making it a go-to meal for busy mornings or a nourishing evening snack. 

The subtle nutty aroma of roasted rava, combined with the warmth of curry leaves, ginger, and green chilies, brings out the true essence of traditional South Indian cooking. A touch of sugar balances the flavors and enhances the taste. Serve your upma hot with coconut chutney, green peas curry, or a cup of chai for a complete and satisfying meal.

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

Tandoori Shrimp Skewers & Cheesy Masala Corn – Independence Day Barbeque Recipe

Fire up the grill this 4th of July with bold, irresistible flavors! Our Tandoori Shrimp Skewers are marinated in a spiced yogurt blend and grilled to smoky perfection, while Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob brings buttery heat, melty cheese, and classic Indian street-style flair to your summer spread. Perfect for backyard cookouts and festive gatherings, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that blends Indian tradition with American barbecue vibes.

Prep: 
35 mins
5 mins

Bring the heat to your 4th of July cookout with this irresistible duo—Tandoori Shrimp Skewers and Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob. These shrimp are marinated in a bold blend of Indian spices, yogurt, and mustard oil, then grilled to perfection for that smoky char and juicy bite. 

The marinade combines the warmth of garam masala and Kashmiri chili with a tangy kick from lemon juice, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a stovetop pan, these skewers cook in minutes and look just as festive as they taste.

Watch our recipe video for step by step instructions on how to make Tandoori Shrimp Skewers and Cheesy Masala Corn on the Cob. We’ve included demonstrations and pro tips to help you out in the kitchen! For our tandoori shrimp skewers and Masala Corn on the Cob calories and nutrition information, see the recipe card below.