Description
Creamy Mexican mac and cheese blends classic comfort with bold south-of-the-border flavors, delivering a spicy twist on traditional pasta. Melted cheese, jalapeños, and smoky chorizo create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (226 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 jalapenos, diced
- 1 cup (150 grams) diced tomatoes
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prepare pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
- Create a smooth, velvety base by whisking butter and flour together in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
- Gradually pour in milk, continuously stirring to prevent lumps and create a creamy consistency.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, melting slowly and stirring until sauce becomes rich and glossy.
- Fold in diced tomatoes, chopped jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, and ground pepper, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Transfer pasta into the spiced cheese sauce, gently mixing to ensure even coating.
- Pour the sauced pasta into a preheated ceramic baking dish, spreading evenly for consistent heat distribution.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to allow sauce to set before serving.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Reduce heat intensity by removing jalapeno seeds or using milder green chiles for a kid-friendly version.
- Experiment with cheese blends like pepper jack or Mexican blend for deeper flavor complexity.
- Add protein boost by mixing in cooked chorizo, shredded chicken, or black beans before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg