A creamy and comforting macaroni and cheese with a spicy kick from roasted Hatch chiles. This recipe brings together a classic favorite with the unique flavor of seasonal Hatch chiles.
Author:Amina Bako
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6-8 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup roasted Hatch chiles, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat. Stir in the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the chopped roasted Hatch chiles, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to combine.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
Roast your Hatch chiles until the skins are blackened, then peel, seed, and chop them.
Adjust the amount of Hatch chiles to your preference for spice.
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the cheese sauce.