Green chili mac and cheese is a delicious variation of traditional macaroni and cheese, infused with the flavors of green chilies. Here’s a basic recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta of your choice)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies (canned or fresh roasted)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until well combined to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Green Chilies:
- Stir in the diced green chilies, distributing them evenly throughout the cheese sauce. Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your desired level of spiciness.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.
- Optional Breadcrumb Topping:
- If you like a crunchy topping, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top. Broil for a few minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Serve:
- Serve the green chili mac and cheese hot, and enjoy the spicy and cheesy goodness!
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding other ingredients like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or green onions for extra flavor. Adjust the spice level to your liking and make it your own!