Mac and cheese is a true American classic - creamy, rich and always comforting.

This version takes things a step further by adding Indian spices and a simple tadka on top. You still get all the smooth, cheesy goodness you love, but with warm notes of garam masala, cumin, and mustard seeds.

It’s an easy way to turn familiar pasta into something a little more exciting without much extra effort. Perfect for when you want a cozy meal with a twist.

Print Recipe

Masala Mac and Cheese

A creamy American classic with an Indian twist. Cheesy macaroni seasoned with garam masala and topped with a sizzling tadka of mustard seeds, cumin, and green chili. Comforting, flavorful, and easy to make.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Course: Main Course

Servings:

Calories: 569kcal

Ingredients

For the Pasta

250 g macaroni pasta uncooked
5 g salt 1 teaspoon, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce

30 g butter 2 tablespoons
15 g all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon
480 ml milk warm
150–180 g shredded cheddar cheese
2 g toasted garam masala ½ teaspoon
1 g black pepper ¼ teaspoon
1 g red chili flakes optional (¼ teaspoon)
Salt to taste

For the Tadka

15 ml ghee
4 g mustard seeds 1 teaspoon
4 g cumin seeds 1 teaspoon
8–10 g curry leaves fresh (8–10 leaves)
5 g green chili finely chopped (1 small)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Boil the pasta Cook the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce In a saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly add the warm milk while whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened.
Stir in the cheese, toasted garam masala, salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Mix until melted and creamy.
Add pasta to sauce Stir the drained pasta into the sauce until well coated.
Make the tadka In a small pan, heat the ghee. Add mustard seeds and let them pop. Add cumin seeds, curry leaves, and green chili. Sauté for 30 seconds.
Finish Pour the tadka over the mac and cheese and mix gently or serve it drizzled on top.

Notes

Toasting the garam masala helps bring out its aroma—don’t skip this step.
Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
If you prefer less heat, leave out the green chili and chili flakes.
The tadka is optional but really adds a nice layer of flavor.

Recipe Twist Ideas:

Veggie Boost: Stir in cooked peas, spinach, or roasted cauliflower.
Crunchy Top: Sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and bake for 10 minutes until golden.
Protein Add-In: Mix in shredded cooked chicken or chickpeas.
Extra Spice: Add a pinch of garam masala to the tadka for even more warmth.
Different Cheese: Try a mix of sharp cheddar and pepper jack for extra kick.