Green Chile Macaroni and Cheese

Zesty Green Chile Mac and Cheese: A Creamy Twist on Comfort Food

Craving a classic mac and cheese with a delightful kick? This Zesty Green Chile Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect answer! Here, we take your favorite childhood dish and infuse it with the vibrant flavors of roasted green chiles. The result? A luxuriously creamy cheese sauce bursting with mild, tangy notes that complements the perfectly cooked pasta. A blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses adds a richness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This recipe is ideal for:

• Weeknight Dinners: Whip up a satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family Gatherings: This crowd-pleasing dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
• Potlucks: Bring a dish that everyone will love!
• Spicy Comfort Food Fix: Enjoy the familiar comfort of mac and cheese with a touch of exciting heat.

Let's dive into this flavorful journey and create a cheesy masterpiece together!

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6-8 people

Ingredients:

• Pasta: 10 ounces elbow macaroni
• Cheese Symphony:
• 1 ¾ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 ¾ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese, divided
• Green Chile Delight:
• One 4.5-ounce can diced mild green chiles (including juices)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Roux: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Creamy Base:
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• ½ cup half-and-half
• Aromatics:
• ¼ wedge yellow onion
• 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• Seasoning: 1 teaspoon iodized salt
• Fresh Touch: 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Pasta Perfection: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, minus 2-3 minutes, to achieve an al dente texture. Drain the pasta thoroughly and return it to the pot.
2. Green Chile Fiesta: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the canned green chiles with their juices and simmer for a minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Roux Magic: Sprinkle the flour over the green chile mixture and whisk constantly until a smooth paste forms. This roux will thicken the cheese sauce beautifully.
4. Milk Marvel: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and half-and-half, ensuring a smooth and lump-free sauce. Season with salt to taste.
5. Flavor Infusion: Add the onion wedge and smashed garlic cloves to the sauce, letting them simmer for a few minutes to infuse their delicious flavors. Remove and discard the onion and garlic afterward.
6. Cheesy Dreams: Now comes the best part! Add 1 ½ cups each of the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and create a smooth, luscious sauce.
7. Fresh Herb Boost: For a burst of freshness, incorporate the chopped cilantro into the cheese sauce.
8. Pasta Party: Combine the creamy cheese sauce with the cooked and drained macaroni. Gently fold everything together until each noodle is coated in the delicious sauce.
9. Golden Bliss: Preheat your broiler. Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to an 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup each of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese over the top. Broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Serve and Savor: Take your masterpiece out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Zesty Green Chile Mac and Cheese with your favorite side dishes or simply devour it on its own!

Tips:

• Spice it Up: Want a spicier mac and cheese? Try using diced hot green chiles instead of mild ones. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Pepper Jack cheese would add a smoky flavor, while Gruyere cheese would provide a more nutty taste.
• Topping Extravaganza: Before broiling, sprinkle your mac and cheese with panko breadcrumbs for a delightful textural contrast. Chopped tomatoes or crumbled cooked bacon would also make fantastic additions.
• Leftovers Delight: This mac and cheese reheats well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.