Mac and Jack and Cheese

Submitted by sofie-a-toast

"A macaroni and cheese made with pepper jack for a tiny bit of a kick! Inspired by Ina Garten."

 

• Ready In: 1hr
• Ingredients: 11
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni or 1 lb cavatappi pasta
• 1 quart milk
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
• 1⁄2 cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese
• 8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tomatoes
• 3⁄4 cup fresh white breadcrumbs or 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄4 cup jarred pickled jalapeno pepper

directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6-8 minutes. Drain well.
3. Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it (I sometimes just microwave). Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4 qt.) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk a little at a time and cook for a minutes or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the pepper jack, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3 quart baking dish.
4. Slice the tomato and arrange on top with the jalapenos. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine butter with bread crumbs, and sprinkle on top. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and macaroni is browned on the top. If you want it more browned, try broiling ti for 2 minutes at the end.

Reviews

[WiGal]

Nice and cheesy just the way we like it. Like the jalapeño and tomato slices on top-jazzes up color. Gratin gives it some crunch. I used one third the salt and subbed in one fresh jalapeño for the jarred. Thanks for posting.