Chipotle Mac and Cheese
Chipotle Mac and Cheese combines creamy pasta with smoky chipotle peppers for bold flavor.It’s a comforting, spicy twist on the classic macaroni and cheese dish.This easy recipe uses simple ingredients and comes together quickly.Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or whenever you crave spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Salt for boiling water
For the Chipotle Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
- 1–2 tsp adobo sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- Extra cheese for topping
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
- Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and jack cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust the heat by adding more adobo sauce if desired.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the chipotle cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- For a baked version: pour into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle to control the heat—start small and add more as needed.
- Pepper Jack cheese increases the spice level and creaminess.
- For extra smokiness, add smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.
- Use half-and-half instead of milk for a richer sauce.
- Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.