Description
Pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese delivers a spicy twist on classic comfort food. Creamy cheese sauce and zesty pepper jack create a quick, satisfying meal for cheese enthusiasts who crave bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 pound uncooked elbow noodles or similar short pasta
- 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce Base Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk (2%)
Seasoning Ingredients:
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Cook pasta until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
- Return the same pot to medium-high heat. Melt butter until it becomes frothy and golden, creating a rich base for the sauce.
- Sprinkle flour into the melted butter, whisking constantly to create a smooth, pale roux. Continue stirring for 2-3 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
- Gradually pour milk into the roux, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Simmer the mixture until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat. Incorporate salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to build layers of flavor. Stir in pepper jack and cheddar cheeses until completely melted and silky.
- Fold the drained pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated. Allow to sit for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors before serving hot.
Notes
- Spice Up the Heat Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level, perfect for those who love a kick or prefer a milder flavor.
- Cheese Flexibility Experiment with different pepper jack cheese brands or mix in other melty cheeses like cheddar or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
- Creamy Consistency Whisk the roux and milk slowly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Dietary Adaptations Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch for a gluten-free version, or swap dairy milk with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg