Spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Mac & Cheese Casserole
Indulge in a creamy and decadent Spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Mac & Cheese Casserole that perfectly balances heat and comfort. This dish is a delightful twist on classic macaroni and cheese, featuring zesty jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese that create a rich, flavorful sauce. Perfect for chilly winter nights, it pairs beautifully with grilled tequila lime chicken or can stand alone as a hearty main course. Although salt is omitted in the recipe for dietary reasons, feel free to add a pinch to taste, ensuring it suits every palate. Whether you're enjoying it during a cozy family meal or sharing with friends, this casserole will surely become a favorite!
4-6 servings
Servings
333
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
jalapenos
3 (minced and seeded)
black pepper
1 teaspoon (freshly ground)
cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
garlic cloves
3 (minced (optional))
onion
1/2 small (minced (optional))
flour
5 tablespoons
milk
2 cups
elbow macaroni
12 ounces (dry)
sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Italian breadcrumbs
3/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3
Add the minced jalapenos, garlic, and onion (if using) to the melted butter, sautéing until they are tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Sprinkle in the flour, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps, until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
6
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
7
While the sauce is simmering, cook the dry elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
8
Once the cheese sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
9
Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in a buttered casserole dish, mixing thoroughly.
10
Evenly sprinkle the Italian breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese mixture for a golden crust.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
12
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
15
Fat
35
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Spicy Jalapeno Cheddar Mac & Cheese Casserole?
It is a creamy and decadent macaroni and cheese dish that balances heat and comfort with zesty jalapenos and sharp cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 4-6 servings.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains 333 calories.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How many jalapenos are used in the dish?
The recipe uses 3 minced and seeded jalapenos.
Is salt included in the ingredient list?
Salt is omitted for dietary reasons, but you can add a pinch to taste.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pasta should I use?
You should use 12 ounces of dry elbow macaroni.
How long does the casserole need to bake?
Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
What spices provide the heat in this recipe?
In addition to jalapenos, the recipe uses black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
Is onion a required ingredient?
No, 1/2 small minced onion is optional.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe suggests 3 minced garlic cloves, though they are listed as optional.
How do I make the cheese sauce thick?
The sauce is thickened by creating a roux with butter and flour, then whisking in milk and simmering.
How long should the milk mixture simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
The dish is topped with 3/4 cup of Italian breadcrumbs.
Can this casserole be served as a main course?
Yes, it is a hearty dish that can stand alone as a main course.
What are some good side dish pairings?
It pairs beautifully with grilled tequila lime chicken.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente.
How much butter is required for the roux?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of protein.
How do I prepare the jalapenos?
The jalapenos should be minced and seeded before being sautéed.
How much flour is used?
The recipe calls for 5 tablespoons of flour.
How much cayenne pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
How much cumin is included?
The recipe includes 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How long do I sauté the aromatics?
Sauté the jalapenos, garlic, and onion for about 3-4 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Should the casserole cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven before serving warm.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 12 ingredients used in this recipe.