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Welp, I’ve gone and done it.
I’ve created a recipe that combines my two favorite foods on the planet. Mac and cheese and Mexican. Somebody help me.
Except I guess Mexican isn’t really a food per se, and I, of all people know, you can’t just blanket all Mexican cuisine as e food in and of itself. There are tacos, enchiladas (my fav!), burritos, flautas, cheese dip, rice, chile rellenos, fajitas, carnitas – the list goes on and on. I love them all.
P.S I’m finally getting my Mexican restaurant fix on Friday. I’m seriously pumped.
Annnd I digress.
As I was saying… Somebody please help me.
Why did I make mac and cheese when I’m in the midst of a smoothie diet? Did I honestly believe I could just have a bite or two? Couldn’t I have at least done myself the courtesy to use whole-wheat pasta? Or low-fat milk? 2% cheese?
My stomach would hear nothing of the sort.
This mac and cheese seed was planted in my head a few months back when I spotted jalapeno cheddar cheese at the grocery store and knew it would be a perfect topping for this chicken tortilla soup. I’m normally a pepper jack girl, but after trying my first bite, I became a jalapeno cheddar covert, and immediately vowed to make a special mac and cheese to showcase it.
The idea process went a little like this:
Jalapeno cheddar mac and cheese. Sounds good, but not quite right…
Jalapeno Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chorizo. Closer…
Jalapeno Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chorizo and Roasted Poblano. I need another cheese…
Jalapeno Cheddar and Manchego Mac and Cheese with Chorizo and Roasted Poblano Peppers Yes! I need a topping though…
Jalapeno Cheddar and Manchego Mac and Cheese with Chorizo, Roasted Poblano Peppers and Buttered Bread Crumbs. Perfection.
Pure perfection it is, although I’ve cut down the title a tiny bit for fear of forcing eyes to go cross when trying to read it.
Spicy Mac and Cheese with Chorizo and Roasted Poblano Peppers. Much better, yes?
A few things.
The chorizo is of the Spanish variety; you can find it at pretty much any grocery store, although mine came from World Market. Spanish chorizo varies from Mexican chorizo in that it’s a bit firmer in texture and is fully cooked, whereas a Mexican chorizo is soft, similar to bulk sausage and typically comes raw. If you’re in a pinch, or can’t find Spanish, Mexican chorizo would work, and be delicious, but just know, it will turn your whole mac and cheese a bright orange color – you might be into that, in this case, I wasn’t.
I’m not too terribly fond of mac and cheese that is baked for a long period of time, especially when only milk is used. I find that it becomes dry and loses that uber creamy and luxurious texture I love some much. Instead, most of the cooking is done on the stovetop and then the whole thing is popped under the broiler just long enough to toast the breadcrumbs.
Spicy. Cheesy. Creamy. Carby. Three words, and one made up word I’m very fond of – and they describe this mac and cheese perfectly.
- 1 pound pasta shells
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 quart warm whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups jalapeno cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups manchego cheese, shredded
- 2 poblano peppers, roasted and chopped
- 6 ounces Spanish chorizo, diced
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Turn the oven to broil, and put the oven rack on the bottom. Grease a 9X12 casserole dish.
- Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water until aldente. Drain, set aside.
- Melt two tablespoons butter in the same pot over a medium-heat. Whisk in flour, cook one minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer until slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Turn heat down to low.
- In a small sauté pan, melt two tablespoons butter over a medium heat. Add breadcrumbs, stir until coated.
- Add salt and pasta back to pot. Slowly add in cheese, stirring to combine as you go. Once the mixture is creamy and all the cheese is added, throw in chopped poblano peppers and chorizo.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan and sprinkle with panko. Broil just until the panko is golden brown.
Melanie @ Carmel Moments says
I love all these varieties of mac and cheese popping up all over the place. No such thing as too much variety with something like mac and cheese. Mmm!
Nicole says
I know! I was thinking about not posting this one, because of the mac and cheese fest going on with other blogs on Monday, but didn’t have time to come up with anything else for today!
Jess says
This looks right up my street! I have some chorizo is the fridge, so I might make this! Looks divine 🙂
Nicole says
You must! Thanks dear!
Christine @ Cooking with Cakes says
I’m so excited about this I think I just gave myself a hot flash – holy crap this looks AMAZING woman!!!
Nicole says
Hahahahahaha. Thanks my dear. 😉
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
Oh boy Nicole! This looks like one of the best mac and cheeses I’ve ever seen. Love the spiciness and the Mexican flavors. I’m going to have to try that jalapeno cheddar!
Nicole says
So sweet Christin. Thank you so much!
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
Can I please just swim in a vat of this mac and cheese, and never come out? Okay? Great, thanks.
Nicole says
Yes you may, and please do! 🙂
cheri says
What a great combination, love this!
Nicole says
Thanks Cheri!
Alyssa @ My Sequined Life says
Oooh, be still my heart! This looks like SUCH the fab dish – and with a Mexican-inspired twist? Perfection!
Nicole says
Thanks Alyssa!
Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says
This is so perfect Nicole! I love mac and cheese and your version looks to die for! Also I’m totally loving that cute skillet in your photos!
Nicole says
Thanks Chelsea! I’m in LOVE with that skillet! Got it at Home Good super cheap!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
You are officially my hero. Mac and cheese AND Mexican flavors?! I’m all in. This looks absolutely amazing… I can’t believe how creamy and cheesy this looks! Pinned 🙂
Nicole says
Thanks Chris! So creamy!
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Mac and cheese and mexican are totally 2 favorites here as well so I cannot wait to enjoy this dish, and eat way more than I should!
Nicole says
Thanks Pamela!!