Salsa Mac Colby Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food fusion with this Salsa Mac Colby Cheese recipe—a creamy, zesty twist on classic mac and cheese! Tender elbow macaroni is smothered in a velvety Colby cheese sauce infused with your favorite salsa for a bold hit of flavor, perfectly balancing rich cheesiness with a tangy, slightly spicy kick. Made with a simple roux and whole milk for a luscious texture, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize the heat level with mild, medium, or hot salsa, and finish with fresh cilantro for a burst of brightness. Perfect as a main course or a standout side dish, Salsa Mac Colby Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that brings bold flavor to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2.5 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Colby cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Prepared salsa (mild, medium, or hot, based on preference)
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk. Cook the mixture over medium heat until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the shredded Colby cheese, a handful at a time, letting each addition melt before adding more.
Add the prepared salsa, salt, and ground black pepper to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine and heat for another 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese and salsa mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
633 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.9 g | 42% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.6 g | 103% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 999 mg | 43% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.4 g | 12% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 27.8 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 598 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | 15% | |
| Potassium | 454 mg | 10% | |
*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.
