Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese

Name: Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz elbow macaroni; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups whole milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup canned corn, drained; 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 1 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese combines the comfort of creamy pasta with a bold, zesty kick. It's a perfect fusion dish that brings a touch of spice and adventure to a classic favorite. Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with this vibrant recipe!

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Ingredients for Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the backbone of this dish, providing the chewy texture that holds the sauce so beautifully. Butter and flour combine to create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and gives it that luscious, creamy consistency we all love. Whole milk ensures the sauce is rich and smooth. The duo of sharp cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese delivers a perfect balance of creamy and spicy. Canned corn and black beans add a Southwestern flair, bringing sweetness and earthiness to the dish. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce infuse a smoky, spicy depth, while smoked paprika enhances that flavor profile further. Finally, a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime add a fresh, vibrant finish.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra crunchy topping, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips over the mac and cheese before serving.
If you prefer less spice, start with one chipotle pepper and add more to taste.
Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged can make your sauce even smoother and more flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

This Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a citrus vinaigrette. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a more substantial meal. For a themed dinner, consider adding a side of guacamole and tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?: Yes, you can prepare it up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven before serving.

Spicy Southwest Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, as it'll continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. Once it's done, drain and set it aside.

Next, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about a minute. You'll want to whisk constantly to avoid any lumps.

Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk as you go. Let this mixture cook until it thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon.

Now, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, followed by the corn, black beans, minced chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until it's well combined and heated through.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the cheese already adds some saltiness. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for that extra zing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold, smoky flavors from chipotle peppers and smoked paprika.
Incorporates healthy veggies like corn and black beans for added texture and nutrition.
Easy to make yet sophisticated enough to impress dinner guests.
Customizable heat level to suit your spice preference.

Ingredients

12 oz elbow macaroni

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup canned corn, drained

1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed

2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced

1 tsp smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 lime, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.

3. Gradually whisk in the milk, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

4. Stir in cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, mixing until completely melted and smooth.

5. Add the cooked macaroni, corn, black beans, minced chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and heat through.