Name: Jalapeño Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 pound macaroni; 1.5 pounds pepper jack shredded cheese ((typically 4 packages if buying pre-shredded)); 2 cups milk; 5 jalapeño peppers (chopped (remove seeds for less heat)); 1 white onion (chopped); 1 tablespoon chopped garlic; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour

Turn your cheesy favorite into a spicy delight!

Who can resist mac and cheese? We sure can’t, especially when it’s transformed into something a whole heck of a lot spicier. Take for instance this spicy jalapeño mac and cheese recipe. It’s mouth-watering just reading it.

Want to turn it up a notch? We love swapping in serrano chilies to kick up the heat. Need it turned down? Try using a milder cheese than pepper jack.

Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 25 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni
1.5 pounds pepper jack shredded cheese (typically 4 packages if buying pre-shredded)
2 cups milk
5 jalapeño peppers chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
1 white onion chopped
1 tablespoon chopped garlic
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Cook the macaroni in boiling water with a pinch of salt until the pasta is al dente. Remove from heat and drain.
In a medium pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the jalapeño peppers, garlic and onions for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a skillet, heat the butter until melted and add in the flour. Mix to a paste.
Add in milk very slowly (a few tablespoons at a time) and whisk to combine properly.
Continue to whisk and heat mixture. Once combined and slightly thickened, add in 2/3 of the cheese and stir.
Stir in the macaroni and the hot peppers.
Spray a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with non-stick oil and pour the mixture into the pan.
Sprinkle the mix with the remaining cheese (optional: also top with jalapeño wheels) and bake for 15 minutes. Look for the cheese on top to turn a golden brown.
Remove from oven and let the mac and cheese sit for 5 minutes.
Serve.

Notes

Increase the heat by substituting 2 of the jalapeño peppers for serrano peppers.
Decrease the heat by substituting pepper jack for a mild cheese like white cheddar.

ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

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