Green Chili Mac & Cheese: A Cozy Kitchen Classic
There’s something inherently magical about the aroma of cheese melting and spices dancing in a bubbling pot—a sensory swirl that transports us to the heart of our favorite culinary memories. Today, I want to share a dish that perfectly embodies that warmth and nostalgia: Green Chili Mac & Cheese. This delightful twist on the traditional comfort food hugs you with every creamy, cheesy bite, evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and spontaneous weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a rich, savory bowl of Green Chili Mac & Cheese. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a cherished part of your kitchen repertoire:
- Delicious Flavors: The zing of green chilies complements the creamy cheese, elevating this classic dish into something extraordinary.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward ingredients and quick steps, you can whip this up in less than an hour.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for casual get-togethers, potlucks, or family dinners—this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients mean you can create gourmet flavors without breaking the bank.
- Comforting: Let’s face it—mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and this version goes above and beyond!
Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients. Each one brings something unique to our Green Chili Mac & Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or any pasta you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons butter (add a touch of indulgence)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for that creamy base)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk gives the best richness)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use extra for a cheesier kick)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for a smooth texture)
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies (or fresh for more flair)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (for depth of flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crushed tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This means that in less than half an hour, you’ll be enjoying a soul-warming dish that feels like a cozy hug!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure to save a splash of pasta water for later.
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Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter bubbles and releases a nutty aroma, whisk in the flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth paste.
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Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Cheese it Up: Once the milk mixture is bubbling and creamy, reduce the heat to low. Stir in both the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melting and gooey. The aroma of cheese will envelop your kitchen!
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Season and Spice: Mix in the diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—feel free to add more chilies if you crave extra spice!
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Combine: Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring every shape is coated in the luscious cheese sauce. If it seems a bit too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your Green Chili Mac & Cheese to bowls, and if you like, sprinkle with crispy tortilla chips or breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.
Variations and Twists
This dish is incredibly versatile! Here are some creative twists to try:
- Mexican Style: Add some jalapeños or black beans for an even bolder flavor profile.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for a healthier option without losing the comforting qualities of this dish.
- BBQ Bliss: Incorporate shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce for a hearty take.
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: A cozy dinner with loved ones, laughter echoing in the air, and your bubbling Green Chili Mac & Cheese gracing the table. Pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty bread for a balanced meal, or make it a showstopper at your next potluck. Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for a pop of color that screams festive!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers? Yes, please! Store any remaining Green Chili Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, simply warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture. If you love meal prep, this dish freezes beautifully! Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as mentioned before.
Kitchen Tips for Success
- Quality Cheese: Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor. A sharp cheddar brings rich taste, while fresh cheeses melt beautifully.
- Avoid Overcooking: For a perfect pasta texture, make sure to cook it al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven (if you decide to bake it).
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to swap out cheeses based on what you have on hand—gouda, pepper jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan work wonderfully.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free alternatives.
- How do I spice it up? Add more diced green chilies or even a dash of hot sauce if you want a kick!
- Can I meal prep this? Yes! Just store it in individual portions for an easy weeknight meal.
Conclusion
Cooking is a cherished act of love, and this Green Chili Mac & Cheese is no exception. It is a dish designed to bring warmth and joy, turning ordinary moments into heartwarming memories. I hope you find as much joy in creating this delightful comfort food as I do. Gather your loved ones, share laughter around the table, and let every spoonful wrap you in cozy nostalgia. Happy cooking!
Contents
Green Chili Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or any preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter for that touch of indulgence
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for the creamy base
- 2 cups milk whole milk gives the best richness
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese use extra for a cheesier kick
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese for a smooth texture
- 1 can (4 ounces) diced green chilies or fresh for more flair
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder because garlic makes everything better
- ½ teaspoon onion powder for depth of flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- crushed tortilla chips for that delightful crunch
- breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, making sure to save a splash of pasta water for later.
- Make the Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth paste.
- Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring as the mixture thickens for about 5 minutes.
- Cheese it Up: Once the milk mixture is bubbling and creamy, reduce the heat to low. Stir in both cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and gooey.
- Season and Spice: Mix in diced green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to your liking.
- Combine: Fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is coated in the cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water if it's too thick.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Green Chili Mac & Cheese to bowls, and sprinkle with crispy tortilla chips or breadcrumbs if you like.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.