Spicy Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

$- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded - 2 cups milk - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley The main ingredients for this dish include elbow macaroni and pepper jack cheese. The macaroni gives the dish its classic shape. The pepper jack cheese adds a spicy kick. You can also mix in sharp cheddar cheese for extra flavor. You need milk to make the sauce creamy. The unsalted butter and flour create a roux. This roux helps thicken your cheese sauce. Adding seasoning like garlic powder and onion powder boosts the overall taste. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor. For extra texture, consider adding breadcrumbs on top. They create a crunchy crust when baked. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and freshness to your dish. Use these ingredients to make a hearty and flavorful Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese that will impress everyone! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This is key to flavoring the pasta. 2. Once boiling, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it's firm but not hard. 3. After cooking, drain the pasta using a colander. Set it aside while you prepare the sauce. 1. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. 2. When the butter melts, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk it for about 2 minutes, letting it bubble and turn light golden. 3. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking. This helps to avoid lumps. Cook this for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens. 4. Reduce the heat to low. Add 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese and 1/2 cup of sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until all cheese melts smoothly. 5. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to blend the flavors. 1. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated and covered in the cheesy goodness. 1. For a crispy finish, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. 2. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs over the top. This adds a nice crunch. 3. Bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden and crispy top before taking it out. For this dish, I love using a blend of cheeses. Pepper jack cheese gives a nice kick. Sharp cheddar adds depth and creaminess. Mixing these cheeses creates a rich flavor. You can also try mozzarella for extra stretch! To enhance the creaminess, consider adding cream or sour cream. A splash of cream makes the sauce velvety. If you want a tangy note, sour cream works great too. To avoid lumps in your cheese sauce, whisk constantly as you add milk. This helps keep the sauce smooth. If lumps do form, use an immersion blender to fix them. Cooking the pasta to the right texture is key. You want it al dente, meaning firm but not hard. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce. For presentation, serve the mac and cheese in colorful bowls. You can also use a baking dish for a rustic look. Add a sprinkle of parsley on top for a fresh touch. Pair this dish with a light salad or steamed veggies. The crunch of a salad balances the creaminess. You can also serve it with grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers a creamier texture compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less pepper jack cheese or mix in some mozzarella cheese to balance the heat. Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding cooked bacon, jalapeños, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture. Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after baking to help it set, making it easier to serve and enjoy. {{image_4}} You can spice up your Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese easily. Try adding jalapeños for heat. Slice them thin or dice them small. Mix them in with the pasta for a kick. You can also add hot sauce to the cheese sauce for more zing. Just a few drops can change the whole dish! If you want freshness, diced tomatoes are great too. They add color and a juicy bite. For a fun twist, try different toppings. Crushed crackers or potato chips add crunch. Sprinkle them on top before baking for a crispy layer. If you like meat, add bacon or sausage. Cook them first, then mix them in or sprinkle on top. Both options give your mac and cheese a hearty flavor. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great substitutes. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. For a vegan version, try plant-based cheese. Many brands now offer good-tasting vegan cheese. Make sure to check the package for melting quality. These adjustments let everyone enjoy this tasty dish! To store leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. In the fridge, expect it to last about 3 to 5 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. For freezing, portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it may expand. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat and keep the flavor, add a splash of milk. This helps revive the creaminess that may fade when freezing. You can reheat in the oven or microwave. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often, and add a bit of milk to keep it creamy. Always check the temperature before serving. Yes, you can use other cheeses. Try using Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Fontina. Each cheese brings a unique flavor. For a twist, combine cheeses like mozzarella for creaminess. Mixing different cheeses can enhance the dish's richness and depth. Be sure to choose cheeses that melt well for the best results. To add more heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes. These options boost the spice without overpowering the flavor. Adding chopped green chilies is another great choice. Each method allows you to control the heat level to your liking. This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad balances the creaminess nicely. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also complement the mac and cheese. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp adds a satisfying touch. You can even serve it with a light soup for a complete meal. This blog post covered how to make delicious pepper jack mac and cheese. We started with the main ingredients, then moved to step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for cooking, flavoring, and storing your dish. You can also explore fun variations and baking options. With this recipe, you can enjoy a creamy, cheesy meal that warms the heart. Get creative with flavors and toppings. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with friends or family. Happy cooking!$

Spicy Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

A creamy and spicy twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring pepper jack and cheddar cheeses.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
1 2 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 2 garlic powder
1 2 onion powder
1 2 smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 2 breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until tender yet firm (al dente). Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
In the same pot used for cooking pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes, allowing the mixture to bubble slightly and turn a light golden color without burning.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to eliminate any lumps. Continue to cook this mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
Reduce the heat to low, then add in the shredded pepper jack cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses have fully melted and the sauce is rich and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well to combine all flavors.
Gently fold in the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure each piece is well coated and enveloped in the cheesy goodness.
For an extra crispy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, until the top layer is golden and crispy.
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to set. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an extra crispy topping, bake with breadcrumbs.

Keyword cheesy, comfort food, mac and cheese, spicy