Fiesta Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 red onions
halved and thinly sliced
- 2 ears corn
shucked and kernels removed, about 1 1/2 cups
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Two 4-ounce cans diced green chiles
- 6 tablespoons salted butter
plus more for the pan
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2/3 cup half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles
- 1 cup cubed processed cheese
such as Velveeta
- 2 cups freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups freshly grated pepper jack cheese
- One 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and chiles
undrained
- 1 cup tortilla chips
crushed
- Chili powder
for sprinkling
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Directions
- 1
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the macaroni in the boiling water until just undercooked. Drain and set aside.
- 2
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red onion and corn and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the onion turns golden brown and the corn begins to blister, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the green chiles to combine. Set aside.
- 3
To make the sauce, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking to combine. Let the roux cook for a minute or so, whisking constantly. Pour in the milk, whisking constantly, followed by 2 teaspoons salt and 1 teaspoon pepper. Cook the white sauce until thick and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the half-and-half and adobo sauce. Add the processed cheese, 1 cup of the Monterey Jack and 1 cup of the pepper jack and continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese all melts. Add the cooked macaroni and stir to coat. Fold in the diced tomatoes and chiles.
- 4
Butter a 9-by-13-inch disposable foil pan. Layer with half of the macaroni mixture, then half the corn mixture. Repeat the layers, ending with the corn mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Monterey Jack and 1 cup pepper jack over the top. Sprinkle the crushed tortilla chips all over the cheese, then sprinkle with chili powder.
- 5
To bake immediately, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Bake until bubbly and hot, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle over the chopped cilantro and serve.
- 6
To freeze the casserole for later, let cool completely, then cover with aluminum foil, fold over the edges to seal and freeze.
- 7
If cooking from frozen, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- 8
Cook, covered, for 50 minutes, then uncover and bake until light brown and bubbly, about another 20 minutes. Sprinkle over the chopped cilantro and serve.
Fiesta Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Looking to elevate your classic mac and cheese with a vibrant, zesty twist? This Fiesta Mac and Cheese recipe brings bold, comforting flavors that will transform your dinner into a celebration. This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese; it's a symphony of creamy, spicy, and savory notes thanks to a trifecta of cheeses and a unique blend of green chiles and smoky adobo sauce. The combination of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and a touch of processed cheese creates an impossibly smooth, gooey texture, while fresh corn and red onion add delightful sweetness and bite. Prepare for a rich and creamy macaroni dish bursting with a harmonious blend of mild heat and savory depth. Each spoonful offers tender pasta enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, brightened by the sweetness of fresh corn and the subtle crunch of red onion. The diced green chiles and adobo sauce infuse a warm, smoky spice that's perfectly balanced by the rich dairy and robust cheeses, making it incredibly satisfying. Finishing with a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro adds a final flourish of texture and freshness. For a richer, meatier dish, consider adding cooked, seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken during assembly. To amp up the heat even more, a pinch of cayenne pepper in the sauce or an extra dash of adobo sauce would do the trick. If fresh corn isn't in season, frozen corn kernels can be used; just thaw and drain them well. Perfect for weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a show-stopping potluck contribution, this Fiesta Mac and Cheese stands beautifully on its own. A simple green salad or some warm crusty bread would be a lovely complement to this hearty dish.