If you had to choose your all-time favorite comfort food, what would it be? There would be a lot that would vie for the top with me: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplings - to name just a few. But I think at the very tippy top would have to be macaroni and cheese. Cheese and pasta - two of my most favorite things in the world combine in one warm, creamy, oozy, melty cheesy goodness. Growing up, I even loved the stuff that came in the blue box. Yes, the cheese was powdered, but it didn't matter. It was mac and cheese. I don't think I've ever met a mac and cheese I didn't like. Oh, I've met some that I loved. I have a memory of an utterly decadent bowlful that had lobster in it. I could have eaten that every day for the rest of my life (which would have probably been significantly shortened by said eating.)
When I had some leftover Monterey jack cheese, I decided it was time to change up the classic macaroni and cheese recipe. This gave a much milder cheese flavor than the usual cheddar. I added some hot peppers to give it more of a pepper jack leaning. I liked the subtle heat. I served this as a side dish for roasted chicken, it would be great with fish or pork. I am also of the camp that believes that macaroni and cheese makes a great main course, served with a salad and possibly some bread (I am all about carb overload here) and you are good to go!
Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 hot green or red chile peppers
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling, salted water per package directions and drain.
- While pasta is cooking, melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour, incorporating it with the butter. Continue stirring or whisking for about 3 minutes or until it starts to darken slightly. Add peppers and stir to combine. Gradually whisk in milk, as it starts to thicken, whisk in the cheese.
- When the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened, stir in the cooked mac and cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Serves 2-4
Nutrition
I'm linking up with:
Linky Party @ Lou Lou Girls
Treasure Box Tuesday @ Yesterfood
The Hearth and Soul Hop @ The 21st Century Housewife
Delicious Dish Tuesday @ Full Time Mama
Tasty Tuesdays @ Anyonita Nibbles
Catherine says
This doesn't say how much flour to use.
Pam Greer says
Oh gosh, thank you for catching that! I've updated the recipe, it's 4 tablespoons of flour.
Arjhon says
I have to try this recipe. I love macaroni, especially with a lot of cheese! I just can't resist. Thanks for this recipe
Pam Greer says
You'll have to let me know what you think!
Jacqueline Debono says
Yum! Pasta and cheese is really a match made in foodie heaven! I love the idea of the peppers!
Brian Jones says
It would have to be pie for me, I don't care what sort of pie it is so long as it is pie 😀 However I'm certainly not turning down Mac and Cheese, what time should I arrive 😉 😀
Susan // the wimpy vegetarian says
What a bowl of comfort food hug this is! I love that you used pepper jack and added some peppers to boot. Perfect for a chilly day in the mountains!
Valerie says
This looks really good! I've never used Jack cheese in Mac N Cheese, what a great idea!
Dee Dee (My Midlife Kitchen) says
I love changing up the cheese used in mac & cheese. I'm a big fan of smoked gouda, but I admit that I sometimes add green chiles for a little kick. With the pepper jack, I can cut out on step. Hooray!
Shannon @ Dinner from the Heart says
Jack cheese and peppers are the perfect combination for mac and cheese! What a great idea. Nothing like elevating your favorite comfort food to superstar status! 🙂
Tonia says
Yes! I love all sorts of mac and cheese too but the homemade kind is the best. I'll bet the pepper jack gives it some amazing flavor.
Nutmeg Nanny says
Mac and cheese is my weakness! I love that you added in a little heat by using pepper jack...yum!
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
That is definitely a tough question, but I agree, mac and cheese would be at the top of my list too! Love the heat and creaminess going on here - it's a must-try!
Lou Lou Girls says
What a great recipe! Love it! Pinned and tweeted. We love to party with you, so I hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. That would be so awesome.
Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls
Ann says
While I love pasta, mac & cheese has never been a favourite. The Blue Box is a huge hit with young ones today though.
eat good 4 life says
This looks super creamy, easy and very delicious. I need to get my macaroni and cheese gloves on 🙂
Cheryl Crotty says
Well I left you a comment somewhere but I don't know where it went...LOL...cyber space...
Love the sounds of this...my husband is a big pepper jack cheese guy so he is going to think I'm a genius when I serve this...
Thanks Pam...
Kayte says
This version of Mac and Cheese sounds really delicious...like you, I think that has to be one of my favorite comfort foods and I grew up with the little blue box as well. To this day, every couple years or so I just need to buy a box of that and make it up and serve it...everyone gives me a hard time, but like they say, "It's an acquired taste," and in my childhood, I acquired it. 🙂 Your version looks so tempting.
Marjie says
I love m&c, but hubster doesn't. I love the blue box mix, too; the kids made that a couple of times while my dearly beloved was in for surgery last year, and the "little" boys periodically whine about why don't I cook good food like Shannon does. Well, then. This m&c sounds good, but the one with lobster sounds decadent!
Catherine says
Dear Pam, What a great comfort food!! This is perfect food that everyone loves at all ages!! xo Catherine
Laura Dembowski says
This is the ultimate in creamy goodness! I used to love the Kraft macaroni and cheese too. The Velveeta one was pretty awesome as well. Every once in awhile I get a craving for them, but I don't give in.
Pam Greer says
I know! Sometimes I want that blue box mix!
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
One of my favorite comfort food dinners is meatloaf and mac and cheese. It's one of those combinations I never get tired of. And I have to confess that I like a bit squirt of ketchup with the meatloaf. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Love the idea of using monterey jack cheese.
Pam Greer says
I'm torn between meatloaf and mac and cheese or meatloaf and mashed potatoes. Maybe it should be meatloaf with mac and cheese and mashed potatoes!!
MichellesCharmWorld says
Tha looks realllly good! Thank you for sharing!
Pam Greer says
It was good!
Joanne says
I love adding spice to my mac and cheese!! YUM to this.
Pam Greer says
Me too!
Marye says
Yum... my favorite flavors here! I love that pepperjack kick... and in mac and cheese? Perfection!
Pam Greer says
Thank you, it was so good!