Go Back
- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups milk - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish) The main ingredients form the base of the dish. Elbow macaroni gives the mac and cheese its familiar shape and texture. The butter and flour create a roux, which helps thicken the cheese sauce. Milk adds creaminess, while garlic powder boosts flavor. Now, let's talk cheese. Pepper jack cheese brings a nice heat, while sharp cheddar adds depth. Together, they create a rich and flavorful sauce. For seasoning, onion powder, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika enhance the taste. Salt and pepper balance everything out. If you like a crispy top, use breadcrumbs. Fresh cilantro adds a bright touch as a garnish. This pepper jack mac and cheese dish is creamy and hearty. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the steps! - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. - Cook according to package directions until al dente. - Drain and set aside. - In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. - Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously until it forms a light paste. - Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring there are no lumps. - Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes. - Stir in 2 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese and 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. - Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. - Stir well to coat all the pasta in the sauce. - If you want a crispy topping, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish. - Sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top. - Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe link! To make a great cheese sauce, I always use freshly grated cheese. It melts better and gives a smooth texture. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can prevent smooth melting. Whisk continuously while adding milk. This helps avoid lumps in your sauce. If you stop whisking, the sauce might clump together. Not everyone loves heat. You can substitute other cheeses to make it milder. Creamy mozzarella or mild gouda works well. For those who crave spice, add jalapeños. Slice them thin and mix them into the cheese sauce. This will give you that extra kick. I love to pair my mac and cheese with a fresh side salad. The crunch of greens balances the creamy dish. You can also serve it with crusty bread. This bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce. Enjoy your meal with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can make your Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese even better by adding veggies. Spinach or broccoli works great for extra nutrition. They add color and texture too. You can also include sautéed onions or bell peppers. These veggies bring sweetness and flavor. They make this dish healthier and more filling. Want to make it heartier? Add some protein! Cooked chicken, bacon, or shrimp are perfect choices. They add great taste and will satisfy your hunger. You can also use ground beef or sausage. This makes the dish more filling and turns it into a full meal. If you prefer a vegan version, you can swap out dairy ingredients for plant-based ones. Use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk. For the cheese flavor, try nutritional yeast. It gives a great cheesy taste without using dairy. You can still enjoy this creamy dish while keeping it plant-based. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. After you enjoy your Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh. It will last for up to 3-4 days in the fridge. Make sure to let it cool before sealing the container. This helps prevent condensation and sogginess. You can freeze this dish too! Portion it out and place it in freezer-safe containers. It will stay good for up to 2 months. When you want to eat it, just take out a portion and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat your mac and cheese, you can use either the microwave or the stovetop. If it looks dry, add a splash of milk to help restore its creaminess. Heat it until it's warm throughout, and enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, feel free to mix and match with other cheeses. You could try mozzarella for creaminess or gouda for a smoky touch. Cheddar also works well and adds a classic taste. Each choice will give your dish a unique flavor. Experimenting with different cheeses can make this recipe fun and exciting! To tone down the spice, reduce or omit the pepper jack cheese. You can swap in a milder cheese, like mozzarella or mild cheddar. These options still keep the creaminess but cut the heat. Taste as you go to find the right balance for your palate. Yes, it stores well and can be portioned out for meals. After cooking, let it cool before placing it in airtight containers. This way, you can enjoy it for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed. Prep time is 10 minutes, with a total cook time of 30 minutes. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights. You can whip up a comforting bowl of Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese in no time! For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. This blog post shared a simple and tasty mac and cheese recipe. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. You can customize this dish with veggies or proteins to suit your taste. Storing and reheating options make it perfect for meal prep. Whether you're a newbie or an expert, this recipe will please everyone. Enjoy cooking this classic comfort food and make it your own!

Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy and flavorful world of Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese! This mouthwatering recipe combines al dente elbow macaroni with a rich cheese sauce that's bursting with pepper jack and cheddar flavors. Perfect for any cheese lover, it's quick to prepare and can be topped with crispy breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your mac and cheese game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups milk

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, whisking to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a light paste, stirring continuously.

      Create the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.

        Add Cheeses: Stir in the Dijon mustard, pepper jack cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure all pasta is coated.

            Optional Topping: If using breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.

              Serve: Once done, remove from the oven (if baked). Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4