Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or just looking to switch things up, pepper jack mac and cheese will surely become a new favorite in your recipe arsenal. We’ll share a recipe for making this delicious dish from scratch and some tips and tricks for customizing it to your liking. Get ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level!
What is pepper jack mac and cheese?
Pepper jack mac and cheese is a type of macaroni and cheese that uses pepper jack cheese as its primary ingredient. The pepper jack cheese gives the dish a spicy kick, making it stand out from other types of macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
how to make pepper jack mac and cheese
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until a paste forms.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mac and cheese into the baking dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Add a chopped jalapeño pepper to the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
- For a creamier texture, add an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Cheddar, gouda, or even blue cheese can add a unique twist.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What to serve with?
This is a delicious and filling dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. Here are some ideas for what to serve with it:
- Grilled or roasted vegetables: A side of grilled or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful balance to the dish.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a mild vinaigrette dressing is a nice way to add some freshness and crunch to the meal.
- Grilled or roasted chicken: A piece of grilled or roasted chicken can be a great protein addition to the meal and can help balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Garlic bread: A side of garlic bread can be a delicious and indulgent addition to the meal and can help soak up any extra sauce from the mac and cheese.
- Fruit: A side of fresh fruit such as sliced apples, grapes, or berries can provide a refreshing and healthy contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Corn on the cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a classic side dish that pairs well with the mac and cheese flavors.
- Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw can provide a nice crunch and tangy flavor to complement the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
Storage
Storing this dish is simple. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to one month. To thaw frozen mac and cheese, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
Reheating is easy as pie. Just follow these steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (or the temperature recommended for your microwave).
- Place your leftover mac and cheese in a shallow baking dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven or microwave for 5-10 minutes, depending on how hot you like it!
Health Benefits
This is a delicious dish that anyone can enjoy. It’s got the same great taste you know and love but with a kick of heat that makes it stand out from the crowd.
Here are some health benefits:
- It helps reduce cholesterol levels
- Promotes weight loss
- It contains vitamin C and iron, which are nutrients that help boost your immune system
- It can help lower blood pressure
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 390
- Fat: 21g (26%)
- Carbs: 41g (14%)
- Protein: 18g
FAQ
Does pepper jack cheese melt well?
Yes, pepper jack cheese melts well. It’s a hard cheese that melts easily and can be used to make various dishes. Pepper jack cheese is also often used as a topping for nachos and other Mexican-inspired foods.
What is pepper jack cheese good on?
Pepper jack cheese is a spicy, sharp cheese that tastes great on tacos and quesadillas. It’s also great on pizza and pasta.
What cheeses pair well with pepper jack?
Pepperjack is a great cheese to use in a number of dishes, but it’s particularly delicious when paired with other cheeses.
One of the best ways to pair pepper jack is with sharp cheddar. The two have similar flavors and textures, so they tend to complement each other quite well. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, pair pepper jack with goat cheese or feta!
Is jack cheese good for mac and cheese?
Yes! Jack cheese is a great choice, especially if you’re looking for something with a bit of a bite. It has some tanginess and complexity that can add to your mac and cheese flavor.
Try cheddar instead of jack if you’re looking for an equally flavorful alternative.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dishes that everyone can agree upon, this recipe for Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese will likely top your list. Not only is it easy to make, but it can become a family favorite that will be made again and again. You can easily customize it by adding other ingredients that match your preferences or dietary restrictions. In other words, this recipe is a must-try if you’re looking for an upbeat twist on classic comfort food.
Other Delicious Recipes:
- BEST SMASH BURGER SAUCE RECIPE
- HUI HUI CHICKEN RECIPE
- TITO’S PUNCH RECIPE
- SABANA DE RES RECIPE
- CHILI’S ROASTED STREET CORN RECIPE
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes until a paste forms.
- Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper and continue whisking until the mixture thickens about 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mac and cheese into the baking dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
