Zesty Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Creamy, indulgent pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese brings comfort to your dinner table with an unexpected kick of spice.

This cheesy delight combines classic mac and cheese with zesty pepper jack for a bold twist on a beloved classic.

Melted cheese coats every single pasta noodle, creating a luxurious texture that’s impossible to resist.

Sharp pepper jack adds a subtle heat that dances across your palate, making each bite more exciting than the last.

The stovetop method ensures a quick and effortless meal that comes together in minutes.

Smooth, rich, and packed with flavor, this recipe transforms a simple side dish into a star attraction.

Dive into this irresistible mac and cheese that promises to satisfy your deepest comfort food cravings.

Serving Ideas For Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Spicy Cheese Feast: Garnish with crispy bacon bits for a smoky, crunchy texture that complements the pepper jack's kick.
• Zesty Side Spread: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy mac and cheese.
• Hearty Meal Boost: Top with sliced jalapeños or green onions for an extra layer of fresh, spicy flavor that enhances the pepper jack's warmth.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this dish into a complete, satisfying meal that's perfect for dinner.

Store And Reheat Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container, sealing tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain creamy texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in microwave or stovetop, adding splash of milk to restore original smoothness and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Option: Freeze in sealed freezer-safe containers for up to 3 weeks, ensuring best quality by placing plastic wrap directly on surface to minimize freezer burn.
• Freshness Window: Consume refrigerated mac and cheese within 35 days for optimal taste and food safety, checking for any unusual odors or color changes before reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients In Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Sturdy pasta shape perfect for trapping creamy cheese sauce, choose high-quality pasta for best texture and flavor.

• Pepper Jack Cheese: Spicy cheese that adds zesty kick and melts beautifully, select fresh block for smoother melting.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese providing classic cheesy depth, opt for aged variety for more intense flavor.
• Butter: Creates rich foundation for roux, use unsalted for better flavor control.
• Whole Milk: Ensures silky smooth sauce, room temperature milk blends more easily.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create velvety texture.

• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle savory undertone without raw garlic intensity.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky dimension to cheese sauce.
• Salt: Balances and heightens overall flavor profile.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic complexity.
• Parsley: Optional fresh garnish for bright color and herbal note.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds optional extra spicy dimension.

Cooking Tools For Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating creamy cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending roux and combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta with cheese.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese.

How To Make Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook pasta until it reaches perfect tenderness. Drain and set aside, keeping the pot ready for the next magic step.

• Creamy Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in the same pot over gentle heat. Whisk flour into the melted butter, creating a smooth base. Slowly pour in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, velvety sauce.

• Cheese Explosion

Lower the heat and sprinkle in Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses. Watch them melt into a dreamy, speckled mixture. Shake in garlic powder and smoked paprika for an extra flavor punch. Season with salt and pepper to your heart’s content.

• Final Fusion

Reunite the pasta with the molten cheese sauce. Gently toss until every single noodle is generously coated in the spicy, creamy goodness.

• Serving Moment

Plate the mac and cheese immediately. For adventurous souls, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to kick up the heat and add a vibrant touch to this comfort food classic.

Tips To Customize Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Cheese Sauce Perfection: Whisk the roux constantly to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth base for your mac and cheese.
• Spice Level Control: Swap Pepper Jack with mild cheddar for a kid-friendly version, or add extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers who crave a spicy kick.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese sauce in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency when ready to serve.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced rotisserie chicken, or cooked chorizo to transform this mac and cheese into a hearty main dish that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Dietary Twist: Create a gluten-free option by using cornstarch instead of flour for the roux and selecting gluten-free pasta. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use reduced-fat cheeses while maintaining rich flavor.

Spicy Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese delivers comfort with a spicy kick. Sharp cheese and crisp breadcrumbs create a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside in a separate bowl.
2. Sauce Foundation: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a golden roux, then gradually stream in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and glossy.
3. Cheese Infusion: Lower heat to minimum. Blend Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted. Incorporate garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
4. Final Integration: Gently fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, using sweeping motions to coat each pasta piece thoroughly without breaking or compressing the noodles.
5. Serving Presentation: Immediately transfer the creamy macaroni and cheese to serving dishes. Optionally garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for added zest and visual interest.

Notes

• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring continuously to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain low heat when melting cheese to prevent sauce from breaking or becoming grainy, which destroys the creamy texture.
• Season Strategically: Use Pepper Jack cheese sparingly if cooking for sensitive palates; balance heat with mild cheddar for a more approachable flavor profile.
• Pasta Texture Matters: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with cheese sauce, ensuring perfect bite and texture in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg