Spicy Macaroni & Cheese

This Spicy Macaroni & Cheese reimagines the comfort classic by infusing a rich, creamy cheese sauce with the bright acidity of plum tomatoes and the heat of fresh jalapeños. The base features a velvety béchamel enriched with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, providing a perfect balance of meltiness and tang. Aromatics like onion, garlic, coriander, and cumin add depth, while a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb topping offers a satisfying textural contrast. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling, Stewing

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Main Courses

Difficulty: Advanced

Servings: 4

Calories: 650

Dietary: Vegetarian

Description

This Spicy Macaroni & Cheese reimagines the comfort classic by infusing a rich, creamy cheese sauce with the bright acidity of plum tomatoes and the heat of fresh jalapeños. The base features a velvety béchamel enriched with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, providing a perfect balance of meltiness and tang. Aromatics like onion, garlic, coriander, and cumin add depth, while a crunchy Parmesan and breadcrumb topping offers a satisfying textural contrast. It is an ideal weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly.

Ingredients

3/4 cup Onion -- finely chopped
1 Clove Garlic -- minced
3/4 tablespoon Jalapeño Pepper -- minced
1/2 teaspoon Coriander
3/4 teaspoon Cumin
2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
2 tablespoon Flour
2 cup Milk
14 ounce Can Plum Tomatoes -- drain & chop
8 oz Elbow Macaroni -- cooked
3/4 cup Monterey Jack Cheese -- Grated
3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese -- Grated
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese

Directions

1
Preheat oven to 375F (190C).
2
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium-low heat.
4
Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeño, coriander, and cumin to the saucepan.
5
Sauté the aromatics, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
6
Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
7
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form, and continue whisking until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
8
Add the drained and chopped plum tomatoes to the sauce.
9
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
10
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated Monterey Jack and Sharp Cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth.
12
Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
13
Pour the macaroni mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish.
14
In a small bowl, mix together the bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
15
Sprinkle the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni.
16
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 650kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 22g111%
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 750mg32%
Total Carbohydrate 65g22%
Dietary Fiber 4g16%
Sugars 10g
Protein 25g50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For extra heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeños or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

You can substitute fresh Roma tomatoes for the canned plum tomatoes if in season; skin and chop them before adding.

For a crispier topping, bake for an additional 5 minutes or broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350F for best texture.

Keywords: spicy mac and cheese, jalapeño macaroni, cheese sauce, comfort food, vegetarian main, cheddar cheese, monterey jack, plum tomatoes, baked pasta, easy dinner, spicy comfort food, cheesy pasta, homemade mac

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/spicy-macaroni-cheese/