Jalapeno Macaroni & Cheese Casserole

Cynna's Note:

A nice creamy comfort dish. I like it best on a cold winter's night with a good tequila lime chicken dish, but I'm sure you could have it anytime and it would be just as tasty! You may want to add some salt to this recipe. I leave it out because my doc wants me to stay away from excess sodium.

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• ¼ cup butter
• 3 jalapenos , minced and seeded
• 1 teaspoon black pepper , fresh ground
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 garlic cloves , minced (optional)
• ½ small onion , minced (optional)
• 5 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups milk
• 12 ounces elbow macaroni , dry
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese , shredded
• ¾ cup Italian breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt butter in medium sauce pan.
3. Saute minced jalapenos, garlic,& onion until tender.
4. Add flour,pepper, cumin, and cayenne and stir mixture for two minutes.
5. Gradually add milk until smooth and creamy.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring from time to time.
7. Cook macaroni until tender (if you haven't prepared already).
8. Drain macaroni.
9. Add shredded cheese to sauce and stir until melted.
10. Add sauce to macaroni in a buttered casserole dish.
11. Top with bread crumbs and bake until top is brown and bubbly.

Reviews

[agileangus]

I thought it was a little bland . . . despite the kick from the pepper, it was missing something. Not sure what - salt? I didn't add any - maybe I should have. I used poblanos because the jalapenos in my store looked a little "tired," and dried minced onions because I was out of onions. I also thought the sauce was a bit thick - might use 3 T flour vs. 5, and maybe add a bit more cheese.

[Chef #745974]

This is very, very good. It is the only way I make mac & cheese now.

I have made it with and without breadcrumbs and prefer it without as it is not as dry. Be warned, though, depending on the size of the jalapenos, it can be very hot. If you want it mild, 2 jalapenos will still give you heat.