Once you try this Curry Mac and Cheese recipe topped with unbelievably delicious crispy curry cilantro breadcrumbs and baked to perfection–you’ll never want to make traditional macaroni and cheese again. The ultimate comfort food fusion, inspired by the viral sensation! Indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight with a curry flair and irresistible crispy topping.
A Perfect Twist: Curry Mac and Cheese
As a busy mom and teacher, finding time for adventurous cooking can be challenging. But when a recipe like Curry Mac and Cheese comes along, it’s worth clearing the calendar for a an absolute flavor journey.
My husband and I love experimenting in the kitchen, especially on weekends when we’re not rushing between work, homework, and afterschool events. This creamy, perfectly spiced twist on classic mac and cheese has become our family’s new favorite. Inspired by Tini’s viral macaroni and cheese recipe, our version adds a flavor-packed curry flair, taking this comfort food to a whole new level. Our kids adore it, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Why Your Family Will Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly Flavors: The mild curry flavor is intriguing yet familiar enough for picky eaters.
- Cheesy Goodness: With cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s a cheese lover’s dream come true.
- Crispy Crunch: The topping of curry cilantro breadcrumbs adds a satisfying texture.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Additions like rotisserie chicken and mixed veggies make it a complete meal.
- Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level with the optional chili crisp garnish, or try a dairy-free alternative using coconut milk.
what is the viral Mac and Cheese recipe?
Tini’s mac and cheese took the internet by storm with its creamy, cheesy base combined with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. It’s all about maximum comfort and indulgence, inspiring home cooks to unleash their creativity with bold flavors and family twists.
Why We Recommend Chili Crisp for this curry Mac and cheese recipe
Chili crisp like Maya Kaimal’s adds an extra layer of flavor with its blend of shallots, garlic, and turmeric. It provides just the right amount of heat and complexity, elevating each bite to gourmet status. Adding a bit of chili crisp to garnish allows you to control your heat preference for this recipe as the curry itself is very mild and not spicy. If you prefer some heat in all the right ways–chili crisp is for you!
ingredients for curry mac and cheese
To make this curry macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!
Here’s what we are working with:
pasta and cheese base
- elbow macaroni
- shredded cheddar cheese
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- curry powder
- milk (whole milk for creaminess)
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
crispy topping
- panko crumbs
- melted butter
- grated parmesan cheese
- curry powder
- finely chopped cilantro
garnish
- chili crisp, optional for heat
- extra finely chopped cilantro leaves, optional
curry Mac and cheese substitutions and add-ins
Pasta: Use gluten-free elbow pasta or any short gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta. Substitute with whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.
Cheese: Use plant-based cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy, such as dairy-free cheddar and mozzarella.
Milk: Use coconut milk for a creamy texture with a hint of tropical sweetness. Substitute whole milk with almond milk for a lighter option.
Breadcrumbs: Opt for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for the topping or use crushed cashews or almonds for a crunchy topping and nutty flavor.
Butter: Replace unsalted butter with vegan butter or margarine to make the sauce dairy-free.
What can I add to my curry mac and cheese?
Proteins: Add shredded rotisserie chicken for extra protein and heartiness or mix in canned or cooked chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.
Vegetables: Incorporate steamed broccoli, peas, or bell peppers to add color and nutrition. Stir in fresh spinach or kale towards the end for extra greens.
Spices and Herbs: For additional heat, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper, or for a different spice profile, a dash of smoked paprika. Garnish with fresh basil or mint for a refreshing twist.
how to make curry mac and cheese
Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
Prepare the Curry Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and curry powder, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine and Prepare for Baking: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
Add the cooked macaroni to the curry cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Transfer to a prepared baking dish.
Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, curry powder, and cilantro. Sprinkle over the top of macaroni.
Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Garnish: Drizzle with chili crisp and freshly chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
storage and meal prep
Curry Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For a satisfying meal prep, add shredded rotisserie chicken and mixed vegetables before baking. It’s a great way to sneak in extra protein and veggies for the kids!
The flavors in this recipe pair so well together and get better day after day. This curry mac and cheese recipe will have you looking forward to lunch each day. It’s so yummy! You will want to assemble into 4 meal prep containers and get ready for one tasty week!
With this Curry Mac and Cheese in your recipe arsenal, your family meals will never be the same. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never want to make traditional mac and cheese again.
We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes.
Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.
Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!
If you love this recipe, check out…
- One Pan Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas (Quick Dinner!)
- Cheesy Smoked Sausage Pasta with Spinach (Easy One-Skillet Meal)
- French Onion Chicken Pasta (Easy One Pan Meal)
- Philly Cheesesteak Skillet Lasagna (One Pan Meal)
- Easy Jerk Chicken Pasta (One Pan Meal)
recipe video
ENJOY!
The Best Curry Mac and Cheese (Crispy Curry Cilantro Breadcrumbs)
- VGVegetarian
Ingredients
for pasta and cheese base
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp curry powder
- 4 cups milk (whole milk for creaminess)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper
for the crispy topping
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 4 tbsp melted butter
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 3 tbsp finely chopped cilantro
garnish (optional)
- chili crisp, for additional heat
- extra finely chopped cilantro leaves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil macaroni according to package instructions. Drain, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
- Prepare the Curry Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and curry powder, cooking for about 1 minute until it forms a paste and turns slightly golden. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Prepare for Baking: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Add the cooked macaroni to the curry cheese sauce and stir until well combined. Transfer to a prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko, melted butter, Parmesan, curry powder, and cilantro. Sprinkle over the top of macaroni.
- Bake: Bake for about 30 minutes or until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish: Drizzle with chili crisp and freshly chopped cilantro before serving, if desired.
Equipment
- baking dish
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this mouthwatering curry mac and cheese recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!
SJT
This is the best Mac and Cheese recipe! Our whole family loves this version better than traditional Mac and Cheese!
Kyle
Love this twist. Now I don’t want to eat Mac and Cheese any other way!