Description
This Jack Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, spicy twist on the classic comfort food, featuring a blend of pepper jack and white cheddar cheeses with a hint of cayenne for a subtle kick. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, it combines tender macaroni pasta with a rich, flavorful cheese sauce made from scratch.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 ounces macaroni (or your favorite short pasta)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture turns lightly golden and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Prepare the Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk a little at a time to prevent lumps. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded pepper jack and white cheddar cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until the pasta is fully coated and creamy. Serve the mac and cheese immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a richer, creamier sauce; low-fat milk will produce a thinner sauce.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level depending on your preference.
- Serve immediately as the sauce will thicken upon standing.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American