Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese

This Spicy Jalapeño Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy cheeses and the perfect touch of spice from fresh jalapeños, delivering a flavorful twist to classic mac and cheese. The breadcrumb topping adds a satisfying crunch to balance the rich, gooey cheese sauce. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their comfort food!
Preparation Time:
60 min
Difficulty:
Novice
Ingredients:
- 100g of elbow macaroni
- 200ml of milk
- 50g of sharp cheddar cheese
- 50g of pepper jack cheese
- 1 medium jalapeño, diced
- 30g of butter
- 20g of all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp of paprika
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Bread crumbs for topping
Kitchen Tools Needed:
- pot
- strainer
- baking dish
- spatula
- cheese grater
Instructions:
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until it becomes lightly golden.
- Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until it thickens slightly.
- Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cheddar and pepper jack cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
- Introduce the diced jalapeño and the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Mix until the macaroni is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs on top for a crunchy topping.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Macros:
- Total Calories: 590kcal
- Carbs: 60g
- Proteins: 20g
- Fats: 25g