Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese
Hey Beleafers!
Who’s in the mood for some ultra-creamy, extra-cheesy mac and cheese? I’ve got you covered with my Pepper Jack Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese. This dish is loaded with a mix of cheddar, Mexican-style blend, and spicy pepper jack, all baked to golden perfection. The result? A rich, gooey mac and cheese with just a hint of spice and a perfectly crispy top. This one’s perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or anytime you’re craving some comfort food!
Pepper Jack Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
Elbow macaroni (1 Box)
Himalayan salt (for boiling and seasoning)
Half-and-half (Use the whole Pint, for creaminess)
Butter (2-3 tbsp, for richness)
Organic white mild cheddar cheese (1 pack, shredded, if you use a block, half)
Mexican-style cheese blend (1 pack, shredded)
Pepper jack cheese (1 pack, shredded)
Black pepper (to taste)
White pepper (to taste)
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp, optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Macaroni:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil, adding a pinch of Himalayan salt for flavor. Toss in the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, so the noodles hold up well during baking. Once they’re done, drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Base:
Return the drained noodles to the pot and add a splash of half-and-half and a couple of tablespoons of butter. Stir everything together while the butter melts, creating a creamy, rich base that’ll help the cheese melt beautifully into the pasta.
3. Add the Cheeses:
Once the noodles are creamy and the butter is melted, add the organic white mild cheddar and the Mexican-style cheese blend. Stir well until they melt. Then, fold in the shredded pepper jack cheese – this adds a nice hint of spice that really sets this mac and cheese apart!
4. Season and Prepare for Baking:
Season your mac and cheese with a bit of black pepper, white pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices and cheeses are well-mixed.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish, (or if you have a Dutch oven like me, you can do steps 2-4 in the same pot.) spreading it out evenly. Top off some more Pepper Jack cheese on top and place it in the oven. Bake at 350°F until the cheese is bubbly and a golden, crispy crust forms on top, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your mac and cheese has reached golden perfection, pull it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, it’s time to dig in! The creamy, cheesy pasta with that slightly spicy pepper jack kick is going to be a new favorite.
Final Thoughts:
This Pepper Jack Oven-Baked Mac and Cheese is everything you could want in a cozy comfort food – creamy, cheesy, with a bit of spice and a crispy topping. Whether you’re making it for a holiday spread or just because, it’s sure to be a hit. Be sure to snap a pic and tag me if you try it – I love seeing your mac and cheese masterpieces! Bon appétit, Beleafers!
