Zippy Cheese Bake
Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with this irresistible Zippy Cheese Bake! Packed with bold flavors and a creamy, cheesy base, this dish combines tender pasta smothered in a rich, velvety sauce made from sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. The addition of diced green chilies, a dash of hot sauce, and smoked paprika gives it a delightful zesty kick, while a golden, crunchy topping of Parmesan-infused panko bread crumbs adds the perfect texture. Ready in just 45 minutes, this is your go-to crowd-pleaser for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings. Serve it alongside a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a comforting yet vibrant meal that'll keep everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1.5 cups milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 oz diced green chilies (canned)
- 2 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes a light golden color, forming a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/4 cup at a time, ensuring the mixture becomes smooth before adding more. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese until completely melted, then add the shredded cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until smooth.
Mix in the diced green chilies, hot sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce for added flavor.
Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, toss the panko bread crumbs with grated Parmesan cheese and olive oil until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Let the Zippy Cheese Bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
527 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 34.1 g | 44% | |
| Saturated Fat | 20.1 g | 101% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 1029 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 34.1 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 541 mg | 42% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 177 mg | 4% | |
*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.
