Spicy Cheesy Mac Delight
Elevate your comfort food game with this Spicy Cheesy Mac Delight. This mac and cheese recipe combines classic flavors with a zesty twist, featuring a mixture of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses, creamy Velveeta, and spicy jalapeno peppers for an irresistible dish. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right kick, this mac and cheese will become your new favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 (16 ounce box, cooked according to package instructions)
butter
1/2 (cup, softened)
evaporated milk
1 (13 ounce can)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 (16 ounce block, cut into cubes)
mild cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce package, shredded)
Velveeta cheese
1 (16 ounce block, sliced)
jalapeno peppers
1 (4 ounce can, chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside without rinsing.
3
While the pasta cooks, cut the block of sharp cheddar cheese into small cubes and slice the Velveeta cheese into manageable pieces.
4
In the same pot used for the pasta, add the softened butter and evaporated milk to the hot pasta. Stir well to combine.
5
Gradually add the cubed sharp cheddar cheese and sliced Velveeta to the pasta, mixing until melted and creamy. The mixture will be slightly soupy with some cheese cubes not completely melted.
6
Fold in the chopped jalapeno peppers and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese on top.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown, and the pasta is set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Cheesy Mac Delight?
It is a zesty comfort food dish that combines classic macaroni and cheese with sharp and mild cheddar, creamy Velveeta, and spicy jalapeno peppers.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, mild cheddar cheese, and Velveeta cheese.
How much macaroni is needed?
You will need one 16-ounce box of elbow macaroni.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
How long does the Mac Delight bake for?
The dish should bake for 35 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
What kind of milk is required for this recipe?
This recipe calls for one 13-ounce can of evaporated milk.
Are the jalapenos fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies a 4-ounce can of chopped jalapeno peppers.
How should the sharp cheddar cheese be prepared?
The 16-ounce block of sharp cheddar should be cut into small cubes.
How do I prepare the Velveeta cheese?
The 16-ounce block of Velveeta should be sliced into manageable pieces.
Should the mild cheddar be cubed?
No, the 8-ounce package of mild cheddar cheese should be shredded to sprinkle on top.
How much butter is used in the Spicy Cheesy Mac Delight?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of softened butter.
Should I rinse the pasta after boiling?
No, the instructions state to drain the macaroni and set it aside without rinsing.
When do I add the butter and evaporated milk?
Add the softened butter and evaporated milk to the hot pasta in the same pot used for cooking.
What is the consistency of the cheese and pasta mixture before baking?
The mixture will be slightly soupy and some cheese cubes may not be completely melted before it goes into the oven.
When should the jalapeno peppers be added?
Fold the chopped jalapeno peppers into the pasta and cheese mixture after the cheeses have started to melt.
What goes on top of the mac and cheese before baking?
Evenly sprinkle the shredded mild cheddar cheese on top of the mixture in the baking dish.
What seasonings are recommended?
The recipe suggests adding salt and pepper to taste.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, you should transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish for the best results.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 9 ingredients: elbow macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Velveeta, jalapenos, salt, and pepper.
Can this recipe be considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a comfort food and a classic pasta dish.
Is the final dish supposed to be creamy?
Yes, the combination of three cheeses and evaporated milk ensures a creamy and cheesy texture.
How do I know the mac and cheese is done?
It is done when the top is bubbly and golden brown and the pasta is set.
What makes this 'spicy' as the name suggests?
The inclusion of a 4-ounce can of chopped jalapeno peppers provides the spicy kick.
Can I substitute the elbow macaroni with other pasta?
While the recipe calls for elbow macaroni, you could use other small pasta shapes, though it may change the traditional feel.
Why use evaporated milk instead of regular milk?
Evaporated milk provides a richer, creamier texture that helps the cheese sauce bind better to the pasta.
Is it okay if some cheese cubes aren't melted before baking?
Yes, the instructions note that it is normal for some cheese cubes not to be completely melted before the dish is baked.
What is the role of the Velveeta in this recipe?
Velveeta is used to add a distinct creaminess and meltability to the cheese sauce.
Does this recipe have any specific tags?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food, spicy, cheesy, and a potluck favorite.