Green Chile Mac and Cheese Fiesta! 🌶️🧀
Indulge in this creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with a vibrant green chile kick and a golden, crispy Panko topping. A perfect comfort food masterpiece for any meal!
Equipment
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large skillet
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- 6 tablespoons salted butter divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese freshly shredded
- 8 ounces mild cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 1/3 cup diced green chiles (from a can, drained)
Crispy Topping
- 2/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted (for the topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth, light roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk until fully combined. Add the chipotle chili powder and smoked paprika, then slowly stir in the freshly shredded pepper jack and cheddar cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese has melted into a wonderfully smooth and creamy sauce.
- Gently fold your cooked macaroni pasta into the luscious cheese sauce until every noodle is perfectly coated. Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish.
- Scatter the diced green chiles evenly over the mac and cheese, gently stirring them in.
- In a small bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons of melted butter with the Panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this golden, crunchy mixture over the top of your macaroni and cheese.
- Pop it into the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbling invitingly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before scooping out generous portions. Enjoy your homemade, cheesy masterpiece!
Notes
Nutrition information per serving: Calories: 502kcal, Total Carbs: 43g, Fats: 28g, Protein: 20g. Enjoy this comforting dish!
