Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole: A Spicy Twist on Comfort Food
There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of macaroni and cheese, especially when it’s baked to perfection with a spicy southwestern flair. This Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole combines the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold, smoky heat of jalapenos and spices, creating a dish that’s perfect for a cold winter’s night—or really, any time you’re craving something savory, creamy, and flavorful.
Pair it with a tequila lime chicken for a hearty meal, or enjoy it on its own. Either way, this casserole is sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? You can adjust the spice level to your liking, so it’s perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder taste.
Ingredients for Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Black Pepper | 3 teaspoons |
| Ground Cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Cayenne Pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic Cloves (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Onion (chopped) | 1 medium |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 3 cups |
| Elbow Macaroni | 1/2 pound (about 5 cups cooked) |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 12 ounces (shredded) |
| Bread Crumbs (for topping) | 3/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 873.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 37.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 22.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 107.5 mg |
| Sodium | 916.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 98.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g |
| Sugars | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 34.5 g |
Directions for Preparing Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
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Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready to crisp up the casserole top once you’re done assembling the dish.
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Melt Butter in a Saucepan: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced jalapenos, garlic, and chopped onion to the pan. Sauté the mixture until the onions are tender and translucent, releasing the aromas of the garlic and jalapenos into the air.
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Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in the black pepper, ground cumin, and cayenne pepper. Stir the mixture for about two minutes, allowing the spices to blend together and bloom in the heat, enhancing the flavor of your sauce.
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Create the Roux: Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken your cheese sauce later.
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Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking the mixture continuously until it becomes smooth and creamy. Keep stirring as it heats up, and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
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Prepare the Macaroni: While your sauce is simmering, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
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Combine the Sauce and Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes wonderfully creamy and cheesy.
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Assemble the Casserole: Place the cooked macaroni into a buttered casserole dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, mixing well to ensure all the noodles are coated with the rich, creamy sauce.
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Top with Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the top of the casserole with bread crumbs for a crunchy, golden topping. If you prefer a more decadent finish, feel free to add extra shredded cheese on top as well.
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Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The bread crumbs should be perfectly toasted, adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
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Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of grilled meats, like tequila lime chicken, or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main course.
Tips for the Perfect Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
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Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or remove the seeds from the jalapenos before cooking. For those who love spice, feel free to add extra jalapenos or use a spicier cheese variety, such as pepper jack.
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Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve, and you’ll have a hot, cheesy meal in no time.
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Use Different Cheeses: While sharp cheddar is the star of this dish, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a different flavor profile. For extra richness, try adding a little cream cheese to the sauce.
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Add Vegetables: For a heartier dish, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach to the casserole. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also provide a nice balance to the richness of the cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole is a comforting, indulgent dish with just the right amount of heat. The creamy cheese sauce combined with the heat from the jalapenos makes for an exciting twist on the classic mac and cheese. It’s perfect for cozy dinners at home and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether served as a side or as the main event, this casserole will keep your guests coming back for seconds!
Enjoy the perfect balance of spice and comfort with this irresistible casserole, and let the creamy, cheesy goodness take your taste buds on a journey south of the border.
