Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it takes classic comfort food to the next level with a flavorful twist of green chilies and salsa, giving it a delightful kick. Plus, the crunchy tortilla chip topping adds an unexpected layer of texture that makes every bite irresistible!

I am passionate about recreating the classic comfort food that is Mac and Cheese and giving it an unexpected twist. This Mexican Style Baked Mac and Cheese is a bold fusion of flavors—you could think of it as a fiesta in a casserole dish—that takes a much-loved family dish and makes it something truly special.

Instead of the usual cheddar, I’ve used that plus a healthy portion of Monterey Jack, a cheese that melts beautifully and combines with the other ingredients to make a sauce of wonderful creaminess. And then there’s cumin and smoked paprika and, oh yes, diced green chilies, for heat.

These are the ingredients that I consider fundamental when cooking Mexican food. So what about the “baked” part?

Ah, yes, that’s where crushed-up tortilla chips come into play.

Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni: Main carbohydrate source; provides texture and structure.
• Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium; gives a sharp, creamy flavor.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Milder than cheddar; melts smoothly for a luscious texture.
• Diced Green Chilies: Adds a mild heat and zest to the dish; boosts flavor complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth; offers antioxidant properties.
• Cumin: Provides smoky warmth; aids in digestion.
• Smoked Paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet; adds color and depth.
• Fresh Cilantro: Herbaceous freshness; offers vitamin A and antioxidants.

Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

How to Make this Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe

1. Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to warm up and get a greased baking dish ready.

2. Prepare the elbow macaroni as per the package directions until it is slightly firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and place it set it aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook it for about 1 minute to form a roux.

4. Slowly incorporate the milk and heavy cream using a whisk, and cook and stir the combination until it thickens. This will take about 3-4 minutes.

5. Incorporate the garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and smoked paprika into the sauce. Mix thoroughly to integrate.

6. Take the saucepan off the heat and add in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese along with the Monterey Jack cheese. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, melted mixture.

7. Mix in the diced green chilies and salsa. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Mix well the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.

9. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and chopped cilantro.

10. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese bubbles and the top achieves a golden brown color. Serving while warm is a must, but there’s no requirement to make this any less enjoyable than you’d like!

Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish (greased)
3. Saucepan (medium-sized)
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. Whisk
6. Spoon for stirring
7. Colander (for draining pasta)
8. Medium-sized mixing bowl
9. Cheese grater (if starting with block cheese)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?You can substitute any short pasta, such as penne, rotini, or shells, in this recipe.
• What can I use if I don’t have Monterey Jack cheese?Mozzarella or pepper jack can be substituted for Monterey Jack. The latter will give the dish an added spicy kick.
• How can I make this recipe spicier?To increase the heat even more, add jalapeños or use a spicier salsa.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can prepare the mac and cheese all the way up to the baking step, refrigerate it for 24 hours or less, and then bake it when you’re ready to serve.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?This recipe is already vegetarian; all you need to do is make sure your salsa is free from meat.
• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the sauce.
• Can I use a different type of milk instead of whole milk?Using 2% milk is acceptable; just know the sauce will probably be a little less creamy than if you used a higher-fat milk. Don’t use skim milk or any non-dairy substitutes, as these will not yield a sauce with rich flavor.

Mexican Style Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can use penne or fusilli pasta for a different texture instead of elbow macaroni.
Monterey Jack cheese can be substituted with pepper jack for extra spiciness or with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
To make it lactose free, substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, and heavy cream with coconut cream.
You can use freshly chopped jalapeños for more heat, or canned chipotle peppers for a smoky flavor, instead of diced green chilies.
When fresh cilantro is unavailable, substitute fresh parsley or use nothing at all.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the macaroni just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking in the oven. This ensures it doesn’t become too soft or mushy in the final dish.