Name: Delicious and Smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced; 2 tablespoons adobo sauce; 1/4 cup unsalted butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this smoky chipotle mac and cheese. This recipe takes the classic mac and cheese up a notch by adding smoky chipotle peppers for a hint of heat and a depth of flavor. With a crispy breadcrumb topping and a creamy, velvety sauce, this dish is sure to become a crowd favorite. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering, this mac and cheese will satisfy all your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
2 tablespoons adobo sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste-like consistency.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps.
Add the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to combine.
Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
Spread the cooked macaroni evenly in the greased baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni, making sure it is fully coated.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy the delicious, smoky chipotle mac and cheese!

Interesting Facts

Chipotle peppers are smoked and dried jalapenos, known for their smoky and spicy flavor. They add a unique and delicious twist to this classic dish.

The adobo sauce, made from a mixture of vinegar, spices, and herbs, complements the chipotle peppers and enhances the overall flavor of the mac and cheese.

The combination of sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sauce, and crunchy breadcrumb topping creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors in this dish.

This recipe can easily be customized by adding your favorite meats or vegetables to the mac and cheese, such as crispy bacon or sautéed mushrooms.

Leftovers of this smoky chipotle mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.