Zesty Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Fiesta for Your Taste Buds
Creamy cheese and rich flavors dance together in this mouthwatering mexican mac and cheese recipe that brings a spicy twist to a classic comfort dish.
Loaded with bold spices and vibrant ingredients, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Zesty jalapeños, smoky chili powder, and melted cheese create a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.
Tender pasta absorbs the robust seasoning, making each bite a delightful explosion of southwestern charm.
The combination of traditional mac and cheese with mexican-inspired elements promises a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Warm, gooey, and packed with exciting flavors, this dish transforms a simple pasta recipe into a celebration of bold cuisine.
One forkful will transport you to a world of delicious comfort and culinary excitement.
Mac & Cheese, The Mexican Way – What You Need
Main Ingredients:Dairy and Thickening Ingredients:Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:Creamy With A Kick: Let’s Make It
Step 1: Boil Pasta
Cook macaroni in a pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente perfection.
Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.
Step 2: Create Creamy Roux
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly to create a smooth, golden roux.
Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Build Luxurious Sauce Base
Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken, developing a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Step 4: Spice Up the Mixture
Stir in these flavor-packed ingredients:Blend thoroughly to distribute the zesty Mexican-inspired seasonings.
Step 5: Melt Cheese Goodness
Remove the pan from heat and add these cheese varieties:Stir until the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth, tangy sauce.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked macaroni.
Gently fold the pasta until every noodle is gloriously coated with the spicy, melted cheese mixture.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top the mac and cheese with optional garnishes like:Serve immediately while the cheese is hot and gooey.
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FAQs
This version has a Mexican twist with taco seasoning, green chilies, and a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, creating a spicier and more flavorful dish compared to classic mac and cheese.
Yes, you can control the heat by choosing mild or hot taco seasoning, or by adjusting the amount of green chilies. For less spice, use fewer chilies or a mild seasoning blend.
Absolutely! You can make this mac and cheese ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The cheesy sauce helps keep the pasta moist and delicious.
Mexican Mac And Cheese: Creamy Kick
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Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Creamy Mexican mac and cheese delivers a fiesta of flavors that dance across your palate with zesty jalapeños and rich, melted cheeses. Comfort meets excitement in this bold twist on a classic comfort dish, promising a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor to the last bite.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1.5 cups (170 grams) shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 0.5 cup (113 grams) cream cheese
- 2 cups (473 milliliters) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) butter
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 (4 ounces/113 grams) can diced green chilies
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) salsa
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
- Sour cream
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, creating a smooth base for the roux.
- Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking continuously for precisely 60 seconds to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Slowly pour milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky consistency.
- Simmer sauce for 3-4 minutes until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Incorporate taco seasoning, green chilies, salt, and pepper, blending flavors thoroughly.
- Remove pan from heat and fold in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until completely melted and glossy.
- Pour cheese sauce over reserved macaroni, gently folding to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated.
- Transfer to serving dish and garnish with optional toppings like sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, use full-fat milk or even a splash of heavy cream to create a richer cheese sauce.
- Try different cheese blends like pepper jack or queso fresco to enhance the Mexican flavor profile.
- Toast the flour and butter mixture slightly longer to develop a deeper, nuttier roux base for more complex flavor depth.
- Substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without losing the dish’s vibrant taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Michael Reyes
Founder & Lead Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Santa Fe Community College
Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.