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Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets excitement in this pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese, where creamy, spicy goodness dances across your palate. Cheesy, quick, and irresistibly bold, you’ll fall in love with this zesty twist on a classic comfort dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

Main Cheese Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped parsley
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious cooking vessel with generously salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving a tender yet firm texture, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully strain the pasta, reserving it in a separate container.
  2. Return the identical cooking pot to medium-level heat. Gently melt butter until it transforms into a silky liquid. Vigorously incorporate flour, continuously whisking to craft a smooth, golden roux. Pour milk incrementally while maintaining constant stirring motion, allowing the mixture to thicken and develop a luxurious consistency.
  3. Reduce thermal intensity to minimal setting. Incorporate shredded Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until they completely dissolve into a creamy, uniform sauce. Introduce garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and ground black pepper, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Reunite cooked pasta with the velvety cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure every pasta strand becomes lavishly coated. Use a smooth, sweeping motion to prevent pasta from breaking or becoming compacted.
  5. Transfer the molten macaroni and cheese into serving dishes immediately. Optional: Embellish with finely chopped parsley or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for an additional flavor dimension and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi to trap more cheesy goodness and create exciting texture variations.
  • Adjust spiciness by selecting mild or extra-sharp Pepper Jack cheese depending on personal heat tolerance and preference.
  • Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version without compromising creamy richness.
  • Enhance nutritional value by stirring in roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower during the final mixing stage for added color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 17 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg