Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese with Fresh Salsa Topper
Elevate your comfort food game with this bold and flavorful Jalapeno Macaroni and Cheese with Fresh Salsa Topper. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets a spicy kick from diced fresh jalapenos, while a vibrant homemade roma tomato salsa adds a refreshing, zesty contrast to every bite. This recipe layers sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese to create the ultimate velvety cheese sauce, perfectly coating al dente elbow macaroni. The zingy salsa, made with ripe tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, brings a burst of freshness that balances the richness. Ready in just 45 minutes and serving six, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Whether you're a fan of heat or looking for a crowd-pleasing twist on a classic, this recipe is your ticket to macaroni and cheese perfection.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz Cream cheese
- 2 Fresh jalapenos, finely diced
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 0.25 cup Red onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp Cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp Lime juice
- 0.25 tsp Kosher salt
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Mix in the diced jalapenos, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
For the fresh salsa, mix together the diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Toss to combine and set aside.
Serve the macaroni and cheese in bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of the fresh salsa for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
656 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.4 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.2 g | 116% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 110 mg | 37% | |
| Sodium | 818 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.1 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.1 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 583 mg | 45% | |
| Iron | 2.6 mg | 14% | |
| Potassium | 420 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
