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Difference between revisions of "Jalapeno Mac and Cheese"

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Way back when, Michelina's frozen food used to make "Shells and Cheese with Peppers."  Suddenly, it was discontinued and you couldn't get it anymore.  I had to scramble and invent my own version.  After several attempts, I finally came up with '''Jalapeno Mac and Cheese.'''  It isn't like the Michelina version, it's actually much better, most likely because it is home made.
Way back when, Michelina's frozen food used to make "Shells and Cheese with Peppers."  Suddenly, it was discontinued and you couldn't get it anymore.  I had to scramble and invent my own version.  After several attempts, I finally came up with '''Jalapeno Mac and Cheese.'''  It isn't like the Michelina version, it's actually much better, most likely because it is home made.


'''Jalapeno Mac and Cheese''' is usually something I make for the holidays.  Here's one way to do it...
'''Jalapeno Mac and Cheese''' recipe is usually something I make for the holidays.  Here's one way to do it...
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== Ingredients ==
== Ingredients ==
[[File:Michelinapeppers.png|right|100px]]
[[File:Evapmilkspicy.jpg|right|80px]]
[[File:Cheezits.png|right|120px]]
* 16 ounces of cavatappi pasta
* 16 ounces of cavatappi pasta
* 1 stick of unsalted butter
* 1 stick of unsalted butter
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* 1 pound pepper jack cheese cubed
* 1 pound pepper jack cheese cubed
* 1 pound gouda cheese cubed
* 1 pound gouda cheese cubed
* ½ cup pickled jalapenos, diced
* 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard
* 1 Cup "Hot and Spicy Cheez-It" crackers, crushed for topping
* 1 Cup "Hot and Spicy Cheez-It" crackers, crushed for topping
 
* 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder
* 1 Tablespoon of tumeric
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== Instructions ==
== Instructions ==
# Boil the cavatappi in salted water until just before it becomes al dente. Drain and set aside.
# Boil the cavatappi in salted water until just before it becomes al dente. Drain and set aside.
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# Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
# Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
# Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble (about 3–5 minutes).
# Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble (about 3–5 minutes).
# Reduce heat to low. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
# Reduce heat to low. Stir in cubed cheeses slowly until fully melted and smooth.  Only do a handful at a time.
# Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning.
# Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, tumeric. Taste and adjust seasoning.
# Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
# Dice up and add the pickled jalapenos
# ''Optional crispy top:'' Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac to a baking dish, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle on top, and bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
# Add the cooked cavatappi to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
 
# Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer mac to a baking dish. Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top.  Crush Cheez-it crackers and sprinkle on top. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
=== Tips ===
* For extra flavor: Add a pinch of mustard powder or cayenne.
* Make it protein-packed: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or pulled chicken.
* Keep it creamy: Avoid overcooking the sauce — low and slow is key.


'''Serves:''' 4 | '''Prep Time:''' 10 min | '''Cook Time:''' 20 min
{{Food}}


[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Food]]

Latest revision as of 21:40, 15 November 2025

Finishedmacandcheese.jpeg

Way back when, Michelina's frozen food used to make "Shells and Cheese with Peppers." Suddenly, it was discontinued and you couldn't get it anymore. I had to scramble and invent my own version. After several attempts, I finally came up with Jalapeno Mac and Cheese. It isn't like the Michelina version, it's actually much better, most likely because it is home made.

Jalapeno Mac and Cheese recipe is usually something I make for the holidays. Here's one way to do it...

Ingredients

Michelinapeppers.png
Evapmilkspicy.jpg
Cheezits.png
  • 16 ounces of cavatappi pasta
  • 1 stick of unsalted butter
  • ½ cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 12 ounce can of "japapeno flavored" evaporated milk (yes, it's a thing)
  • 1 pound cheddar cheese cubed
  • 1 pound pepper jack cheese cubed
  • 1 pound gouda cheese cubed
  • ½ cup pickled jalapenos, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard
  • 1 Cup "Hot and Spicy Cheez-It" crackers, crushed for topping
  • 1 Tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 Tablespoon of tumeric

Instructions

  1. Boil the cavatappi in salted water until just before it becomes al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (don’t let it brown).
  4. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
  5. Cook until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble (about 3–5 minutes).
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in cubed cheeses slowly until fully melted and smooth. Only do a handful at a time.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, tumeric. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Dice up and add the pickled jalapenos
  9. Add the cooked cavatappi to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
  10. Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer mac to a baking dish. Sprinkle some grated cheddar cheese on top. Crush Cheez-it crackers and sprinkle on top. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
Burger.png
mmmmm, Jalapeno Mac and Cheese is a part of a series on Food
Click here to open up the recipe book.