Chaos in the kitchen
Chaos in the kitchen is a easy American recipe that serves 10. 420 calories per serving. Recipe by Ashley Yi on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $13.67 total, $1.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Elbow Macaroni (dry, broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
- 4 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for roux)
- 2 cup Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (adds richness)
- 2 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, for stretch)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ tsp Paprika (optional, for color)
- 12 slices Salami Slices (thinly sliced, about 1‑inch wide)
- 4 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 spray Olive Oil Spray (for parchment sheet)
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook 6‑7 minutes, until just al dente.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and Set Aside
Drain the macaroni in a colander and return to the pot. Drizzle a tiny splash of olive oil to keep noodles from sticking.
Time: PT2M
Make the Roux
In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns light golden.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: 350°F
Create the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, adding the reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick. Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cheese sauce over the drained macaroni and stir until every noodle is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Bake with Parmesan Chips
Pre‑heat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, spread grated Parmesan in a thin even layer, and lightly spray with olive oil. Place the sheet in the oven for 5‑7 minutes, until the cheese melts and turns golden‑brown, forming crisp chips. Meanwhile, transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: 400°F
Roll Salami Roses
In a mixing bowl combine softened cream cheese and chopped chives. Spread a thin layer on each salami slice, then roll tightly from one short edge to the other, forming a rose shape. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Time: PT5M
Plate and Serve
Spoon mac and cheese onto plates, top with a handful of warm Parmesan chips, and place a few salami roses on the side. Serve immediately while hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 38 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: cavatappi, penne
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil (reduced amount)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, unsweetened almond milk (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half, full‑fat coconut milk
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: aged Gouda, Gruyère
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Monterey Jack, Provolone
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Paprika: smoked paprika
- Instead of Salami Slices: prosciutto, pepperoni
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Fresh Chives: green onions
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Olive Oil Spray: vegetable oil spray
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook pasta only to al dente; overcooking makes it mushy after baking.
- Maintain low heat when adding milk and cheese to prevent curdling.
- Watch Parmesan chips closely; they burn quickly.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for both flavor depth and meltiness.
- For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- If you prefer a baked mac and cheese, transfer the coated pasta to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake 15 minutes at 375°F.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce looks grainy or curdled.
Reduce heat immediately, whisk vigorously, and add a splash of milk to smooth it out.
Mac and cheese is too thick after mixing.
Stir in reserved pasta water or a little extra milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Parmesan chips burn before turning crispy.
Lower oven temperature to 375°F and watch closely; remove when golden.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.
Freezer: Not recommended; the texture of the cheese sauce changes after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 4 and keep warm on low heat; combine with pasta just before serving.
- Salami roses can be assembled up to 2 hours ahead and kept chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of mac and cheese in American holiday meals?
Macaroni and cheese became a staple of American comfort food in the early 20th century, popularized by boxed mixes and home‑cooked versions. Over time it evolved into a festive side dish for holidays, symbolizing warmth, indulgence, and family togetherness.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes a breadcrumb topping and extra sharp cheddar. New England versions may use a creamy béchamel base with Gruyère. The Southwest adds jalapeños or pepper jack for heat. This recipe blends classic creamy sauce with a crunchy Parmesan chip twist.
How is mac and cheese traditionally served in American holiday gatherings?
It is typically served as a side dish alongside roasted meats, green beans, and salads. Many families bake it in a casserole dish, but a stovetop version like this one is also common for quick, crowd‑pleasing service.
What occasions or celebrations is mac and cheese traditionally associated with in American culture?
Mac and cheese appears at Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s gatherings, and casual holiday parties. Its comforting nature makes it a go‑to dish for both formal dinners and informal family get‑togethers.
What other American dishes pair well with this fast holiday mac and cheese?
It pairs beautifully with roasted turkey or ham, honey‑glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, and a fresh green salad. The salty salami roses also complement the richness of the mac and cheese.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic mac and cheese versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional mac and cheese uses elbow pasta, butter, flour, whole milk, sharp cheddar, and sometimes a breadcrumb topping. Acceptable substitutes include gluten‑free pasta, plant‑based milks, dairy‑free cheese blends, and almond flour for the roux.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this fast holiday mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, letting the cheese sauce boil too vigorously (which causes curdling), and burning the Parmesan chips. Follow the critical steps and keep heat moderate for a smooth sauce.
Why does this recipe use a roux and milk‑cream base instead of a pre‑made cheese sauce packet?
Making a roux with butter and flour creates a thick, velvety base that evenly coats the pasta, while the milk‑cream mixture provides richness and prevents the sauce from becoming watery, which pre‑made packets often do.
Can I make the mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce up to step 4 and keep it warm on low heat. Store the cooked pasta separately in the fridge. Combine and reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of milk if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making the cheese sauce?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without lumps. It will thicken slightly as it sits, but should remain pourable when mixed with the pasta.
How do I know when the Parmesan chips are done cooking?
The chips are ready when they turn a deep golden‑brown color and become crisp to the touch. Remove them immediately to prevent burning, as they can go from perfect to burnt in seconds.
What does the YouTube channel Ashley Yi specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ashley Yi focuses on quick, approachable home cooking tutorials, especially holiday‑themed comfort foods and creative plating ideas for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Ashley Yi's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Ashley Yi emphasizes speed and minimal equipment, often delivering full‑flavored dishes in under an hour while adding playful twists like salami roses and Parmesan chips, setting her style apart from more elaborate or time‑intensive tutorials.
What other holiday recipes is the YouTube channel Ashley Yi known for?
Ashley Yi is also known for her rapid cranberry‑orange sauce, gingerbread latte, and a 15‑minute roasted Brussels sprouts dish that she frequently shares during the holiday season.
Last updated: September 3, 2026
