Pepper Jack Mac Recipe
Make Pepper Jack Mac Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Pasta
Cheese Sauce
Toppings (Optional)
Method
Cooking Pasta
- 1
Boil Water
In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to the water.
- 2
Cook Pasta
Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- 3
Drain Pasta
Once cooked, drain the macaroni in a colander and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- 4
- 5
Add Flour
Once melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the butter and whisk continuously for about 1 minute until it forms a roux.
- 6
Pour in Milk
Slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- 7
Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in 1.5 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese and 4 oz of cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- 8
Season Sauce
Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of paprika. Mix well to combine.
Combining and Serving
- 9
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- 10
Prepare Toppings (Optional)
If using, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 0.5 cup of extra pepper jack cheese.
- 11
Bake (Optional)
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- 12
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve hot.