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Creamy Chipotle Mac and Cheese Casserole

creamy chipotle mac and cheese casserole - featured image
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A creamy, smoky mac and cheese casserole with a chipotle twist that balances spicy heat and rich cheese, perfect for Easter or any comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chipotle adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale golden and nutty smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in 3 cups warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in 4 oz softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  5. Stir in 2 finely chopped chipotle peppers and 1 tablespoon adobo sauce. Adjust heat to taste.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
  7. Mix the drained pasta into the cheese sauce, coating all pieces evenly.
  8. Optional: Toss 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter.
  9. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top if using.
  10. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushy casserole. Warm milk before adding to roux to prevent lumps. Adjust chipotle peppers to control spiciness. Toss breadcrumbs with oil or butter for a crispier topping. Sauce can be loosened with a splash of milk if too thick.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, chipotle, casserole, comfort food, Easter recipe, creamy, smoky, cheesy

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-chipotle-mac-and-cheese-casserole-easy-recipe-for-easter-meal/