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southwest mac and cheese

(1 RATING)
1.40K Pinches 22 Photos
Messyapron avatar
Henderson, NV
Updated on May 24, 2024

I decided to kick up the flavor of my macaroni and cheese by adding spicy cheese and chorizo. The crunch on top gives an added texture to this dish.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Macaroni and cheese is an all-around family favorite and this Southwest version takes it to another level. This recipe spices things up with a variety of peppered cheeses, chorizo, and a mixture of spices. Toasted bread cubes, cheese, cilantro, and crushed nacho chips are sprinkled on top. Once baked, it adds a terrific crunch to the casserole.

— The Test Kitchen
prep time 30 Min
cook time 1 Hr
method Bake
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 6 slices sourdough bread
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Chipotle Gouda
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet onions
  • 4 ounces Spanish chorizo, chopped into small pieces
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 2 3/4 teaspoons Kosher salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 10 ounces medium dry shell pasta, uncooked
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup crushed nacho chips

How To Make southwest mac and cheese

Test Kitchen Tips
Between the pasta, cheese, and chorizo, there is a lot of salt in this dish. If you prefer a less salty dish, reduce the amount of salt in the white sauce.
  • Remove crust from bread and cut into cubes.
    Step 1
    Heat oven to 250 degrees F. Trim and discard the crust from the bread. Then cut the bread into 1/4-inch cubes.
  • Bake the bread until dry.
    Step 2
    Line a 10 by 15-inch baking sheet with foil. Place cubes on the baking sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until dry. Remove from oven and put in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
  • Shred the cheese and place in a resealable plastic bag.
    Step 3
    Place all the shredded cheeses in a gallon plastic storage bag. Seal and shake bag to combine.
  • Spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.
    Step 4
    Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
  • Saute onions.
    Step 5
    Heat oil in an 8-inch non-stick skillet on medium heat. Add chopped onions to skillet. Saute for 3 minutes.
  • Saute chorizo.
    Step 6
    Add chorizo. Saute for 3 minutes.
  • Place chorizo on a paper towel.
    Step 7
    Remove from the skillet with a slotted spoon to paper towels.
  • Melt butter.
    Step 8
    In a 2-quart saucepan melt butter.
  • Sprinkle 3 Tbsp of melted butter over the bread cubes.
    Step 9
    Remove 3 Tbsp of the melted butter. Sprinkle over bread cubes.
  • Stir flour and spices into the remaining melted butter.
    Step 10
    Into the remaining melted butter, stir flour, 1 1/4 tsp salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the saucepan.
  • Stir in the milk.
    Step 11
    Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil and stir constantly. Reduce heat. Simmer for 1 minute and then remove from heat.
  • Boil the pasta.
    Step 12
    In a 4 or 5-quart pot bring 2-quarts of water with 1 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add pasta. Return to a boil and cook for 6 minutes. The pasta should be slightly undercooked.
  • Drain the cooked pasta.
    Step 13
    Pour into colander; drain.
  • Place pasta back in the pot and sprinkle with chili powder.
    Step 14
    Return pasta to the cooking pot. Sprinkle with chili powder.
  • Add the white sauce, cheese, onions, and chorizo.
    Step 15
    Add the white sauce and stir gently to combine. Add cooked onion, chorizo, and 3 1/2 cups of the cheese mixture. Stir to blend all ingredients. The cheese does not have to melt.
  • Pour pasta into the baking dish.
    Step 16
    Pour into the baking dish.
  • Add cilantro, cheese, and nacho chips to the bread cubes and sprinkle over the pasta.
    Step 17
    Add crushed nacho chips, cilantro, and the remainder of the cheese to bread cubes. Toss to combine. Sprinkle bread cubes over the pasta.
  • Bake until heated through.
    Step 18
    Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and bubbly. Check the macaroni and cheese at 20 minutes. If the bread cubes are becoming too toasted, loosely cover with foil and continue to bake until heated through.
  • Let macaroni and cheese sit for 5 minutes.
    Step 19
    Remove from oven and allow to stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Discover More

Category: Pasta
Culture: Mexican
Collection: Casserole Crazy
Ingredient: Pasta
Method: Bake

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