The Zesty Mexican Mac and Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Comfort meets culinary excitement in this Mexican mac and cheese that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Creamy pasta blends with bold spices and zesty ingredients for an unforgettable meal.

Cheesy goodness takes a delicious south-of-the-border detour, creating a dish that sparks conversation.

Jalapeños, cilantro, and smoky chili peppers dance through each bite, adding unexpected layers of flavor.

Forget bland pasta – this recipe brings serious excitement to your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners will never look the same after you experience this spectacular fusion of classic comfort and Mexican-inspired creativity.

Prepare to fall in love with a mac and cheese that breaks all the traditional rules.

Why Mexican Mac And Cheese Stands Out

• Unleash Speedy Comfort: This turkey chili delivers warm, satisfying flavors without consuming hours in the kitchen, perfect for busy families craving a quick, nutritious meal.
• Customize Your Bowl: Flexible recipe allows endless topping variations like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or diced avocado, making it adaptable to individual taste preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed One-Pot Wonder: Lean ground turkey combines with protein-rich beans and vegetables, creating a balanced, healthy dinner that supports wellness goals without sacrificing deliciousness.
• Budget-Friendly Family Feast: Affordable ingredients and simple cooking technique mean you can feed multiple people without breaking the bank, transforming basic pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients for Mexican Mac And Cheese

• Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides a perfect base for the creamy, cheesy sauce.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth roux for the sauce.
• Milk: Creates a creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Provides extra creaminess and a tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers a sharp, classic cheese flavor and melts beautifully.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a spicy kick and creamy texture to the mac and cheese.

• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Bring a fresh, slightly acidic element to the dish.
• Jalapenos: Add a spicy, authentic Mexican heat to the mac and cheese.
• Chili Powder: Provides a warm, smoky flavor characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
• Cumin: Introduces a deep, earthy spice typical in Mexican cooking.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a bright, fresh garnish with a distinctive herbal note.

How to Prepare Mexican Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente perfection. Drain the pasta completely and set it aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Roux

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes, creating a golden-brown base that will make your sauce incredibly smooth.

Step 3: Craft Silky Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Add cream cheese and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious foundation for your sauce.

Step 4: Blend Spicy Cheese Mixture

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Pepper jack cheese

Stir until the cheeses melt into a velvety, spicy blend that will make taste buds dance.

Step 5: Boost Flavor Profile

• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped jalapenos
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend thoroughly to distribute the exciting Mexican-inspired flavors throughout the sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the spicy cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring every pasta tube gets completely coated with the rich, tangy mixture.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top of the mac and cheese. Serve immediately while the dish is steaming hot, ready to wow everyone at the table.

Tips for Perfect Mexican Mac And Cheese

• Rinse macaroni under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect texture for your mac and cheese.
• Grate cheese freshly for a smoother, more authentic melting experience that enhances overall flavor complexity.
• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeno seeds for milder heat or adding extra chili powder for bolder taste.
• Control sauce thickness by gradually adding milk and whisking continuously to prevent lumps and achieve creamy consistency.
• Experiment with additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch and Mexican-inspired flair.

Variations to Try with Mexican Mac And Cheese

• Southwestern Fiesta Mac: Replace pepper jack with spicy chorizo sausage and add roasted corn kernels for extra smoky flavor.
• Green Chile Mac: Swap diced tomatoes with chopped green chiles and add additional roasted green peppers for intense southwestern heat.
• Black Bean Boost: Mix in black beans and swap half the cheese with queso fresco for authentic Mexican protein-packed variation.
• Chicken Enchilada Mac: Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken and top with enchilada sauce before serving for a hearty main course style.

Serving Suggestions for Mexican Mac And Cheese

• Fiesta Flavor Fusion: Serve this Mexican Mac and Cheese as a vibrant main dish that brings zesty southwestern excitement to your table. Top with crispy tortilla strips for added crunch and texture.
• Spicy Potluck Pleaser: Pack this cheesy creation in a portable dish for gatherings. Sprinkle extra cheese and chopped green onions on top right before serving to keep the flavors fresh and inviting.
• Loaded Comfort Bowl: Transform the mac and cheese into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken or ground beef. Garnish with fresh salsa, sour cream, and extra jalapenos for those who love bold flavors.

Storage Advice for Mexican Mac And Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots and ensure even heating.
• Add a little extra milk or cream when reheating to maintain the smooth, creamy consistency of the cheese sauce.

FAQs

• Is this mac and cheese spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños and pepper jack cheese. Use fewer jalapeños or mild pepper jack for less spice.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the cheese with plant-based alternatives and ensure vegetarian cheese options. The recipe can easily adapt to vegetarian preferences.

• What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells, cavatappi, or rotini also work great and hold the cheese sauce wonderfully.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour for the roux and choose gluten-free pasta to create a celiac-friendly version of this Mexican mac and cheese.

Mexican Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy Mexican mac and cheese delivers a spicy twist on classic comfort food. Cheesy pasta combines jalapeños, chorizo, and bold spices for a mouthwatering southwestern-style meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• 8 oz (226 g) elbow macaroni
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1/4 cup diced jalapenos
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil macaroni in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat (around 350°F), then whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for approximately 2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, and incorporate cream cheese until completely melted and integrated.
4. Gradually add cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
5. Introduce diced tomatoes, chopped jalapenos, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper into the cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
6. Pour the spiced cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni, gently folding until each pasta piece is completely coated with the rich, zesty mixture.
7. Transfer to a serving dish, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for a vibrant garnish, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or removing jalapenos for a milder version that suits sensitive palates.
• Consider roasting tomatoes and peppers beforehand to enhance their natural sweetness and add depth to the cheese sauce.
• Try alternative cheese combinations like queso fresco or cotija to create unique Mexican-inspired variations of this classic comfort dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg