Jalapeño Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 tbsp butter (melted)
• 0.5 lb cream cheese (melted)
• 2.5 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 0.5 lb cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 0.333 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sliced jalapeño peppers (from a jar)
• 0.5 cup jalapeño juice (from jars of jalapeños)
• 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (for topping)
• 1 lb cavatappi pasta (or 1 lb macaroni noodles, cooked al dente)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the cavatappi or macaroni noodles until al dente, then drain them well. Set aside while preparing the cheese mixture.

2. 2

   Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

3. 3

   Add the melted cream cheese and stir until it is fully blended with the butter and smooth.

4. 4

   Add the heavy cream and whisk until the mixture is evenly combined.

5. 5

   Add the jalapeño juice and whisk it into the cream mixture.

6. 6

   Add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheddar is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.

7. 7

   Add the salt, Cajun seasoning, and flour. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are completely incorporated and no visible pockets of flour remain.

8. 8

   Stir the sliced jalapeños into the cheese sauce so they are distributed evenly.

9. 9

   Coat a loaf pan with nonstick pan spray or other pan coating.

10. 10

    Layer the bottom of the prepared loaf pan with some of the cooked macaroni. Cover it with part of the cheddar sauce. Add another layer of pasta, then cover it with the remaining sauce.

11. 11

    Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

12. 12

    Cover the pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot throughout.

13. 13

    Uncover the pan and continue baking for 20 to 30 minutes, until the breadcrumb topping is browned and the edges are bubbling.

14. 14

    Let the macaroni and cheese rest briefly before serving so the sauce can settle.

Notes

The author describes this as a good, spicy macaroni and cheese rather than a traditional version. Reviews mention that the jalapeño juice can be reduced or omitted for less heat, and that the salt may be omitted because the jalapeños, juice, and Cajun seasoning can already be salty. Serve with a simple lettuce salad or alongside barbecue.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• side dish
• baked
• vegetarian
• spicy
• comfort food
• American
• fall