chipotle mac n cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chipotle mac n cheese recipe

I’ve always been a fan of macaroni and cheese, and when I discovered the chipotle version, I knew I had to try it. The smoky heat from the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce added a depth of flavor that took this classic comfort food to a whole new level.

My family loves it just as much as I do, and it’s become a staple in our household. Whether we’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion dish, this chipotle mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea.

Not only is it delicious, but it’s also relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods. The chipotle peppers provide a boost of antioxidants and capsaicin, which can help lower cholesterol and improve digestion.

Plus, using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese makes this dish feel less guilty. I like to serve it with some steamed vegetables on the side to round out the meal.

My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to add their own favorite toppings – whether it’s crispy bacon bits or diced tomatoes. It’s a fun way to get them involved in the kitchen and teaches them about different flavors and textures.

Chipotle Mac n Cheese

4.6 from 876 votes

A creamy and spicy mac n cheese recipe infused with chipotle peppers for a smoky kick. This dish is perfect for a comforting meal with a twist.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac n Cheese

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Chipotle Sauce

1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 tbsp adobo sauce
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
4Drain and set aside.
5In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
6Add flour and whisk to form a roux.
7Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns light brown.
8Gradually add milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
9Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
10Stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
11Add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Mix well.
12In a separate bowl, blend chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth.
13This will be the chipotle sauce.
14Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
15Mix in the chipotle sauce and combine thoroughly.
16Transfer the mac n cheese mixture to a baking dish.
17Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Saucepan
Whisk
Wooden spoon
Baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a milder version, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers. You can also add cooked chicken or vegetables to make it a heartier meal.

This chipotle mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether we’re hosting family gatherings or just need a quick weeknight dinner solution.

One thing I love about this recipe is how easy it is to store leftovers – simply refrigerate or freeze until ready to reheat.

Reheating instructions are simple: place in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through or until top layer forms golden brown crust if desired.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chipotle Mac n Cheese

Q: What is chipotle mac n cheese?

A: Chipotle mac n cheese is a variation of the classic macaroni and cheese recipe that incorporates smoked chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for added heat and flavor.

Q: How do you make chipotle mac n cheese?

A: To make this recipe, you’ll need elbow macaroni, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, reduced-fat cheddar cheese, whole wheat pasta, and heavy cream. Simply cook the pasta according to package instructions, then mix it with the cheese sauce, which is made by combining the heavy cream with the shredded cheddar cheese and diced chipotle peppers.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different shapes and sizes of pasta to find your favorite combination. Some people prefer the shorter shape of shells or cavatappi for their ease of twirling around a fork. Others enjoy mixing different colors of pasta for added visual appeal.

Q: Is this recipe spicy enough for me?

A: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the number of chipotle peppers used in the recipe or omit them altogether if you’re not a fan of spicy food. On the other hand, if you prefer an even spicier version, you can add more peppers or use hot sauce as an additional topping.

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