green chili mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food that never goes out of style. However, if you’re looking to add a little excitement to this classic dish, we’ve got the perfect recipe for you. Our Creamy Green Chili Mac and Cheese combines the velvety richness of traditional mac and cheese with the bold and zesty flavors of green chilies. This delightful fusion is a crowd-pleaser that offers a spicy twist to the ordinary. In this blog post, we’ll share the recipe, some serving suggestions, and tips to make your mac and cheese truly unforgettable.

 

Ingredients:

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
• 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of paprika

For the Green Chili Sauce:

• 2 (4-ounce) cans of diced green chilies
• 1/4 cup of diced onion
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)

Instructions:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until they become translucent and fragrant.
3. Stir in the diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until it forms a smooth, pale roux.
5. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking, ensuring no lumps form. Cook and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses to the milk mixture. Stir until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy.
7. Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
8. Combine the cooked macaroni with the green chili sauce in a large mixing bowl.
9. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the macaroni mixture, stirring to combine thoroughly.
10. Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh cilantro, if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with crispy breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
• Add cooked and crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve as a side dish with grilled chicken or beef for a complete meal.

Tips:

• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• Experiment with different types of cheese for unique flavor profiles.
• To make it even creamier, you can add a dollop of sour cream to the cheese sauce.

Creamy Green Chili Mac and Cheese takes the beloved classic to new heights with a spicy and zesty twist. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or enjoying it as the main event, this fusion of flavors is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. So, heat things up in the kitchen and indulge in the delicious comfort of this mac and cheese with a Southwestern flair.