Southwestern Mac and Cheese
This creamy Southwestern Mac and Cheese is packed with bold flavors from pepper jack cheese, roasted green chiles, and smoky spices. A fun twist on a classic comfort food!
About This Southwest Mac and Cheese
This Southwestern Mac and Cheese recipe combines a creamy cheese sauce, smoky chipotle, and roasted green chiles for a bold, flavor-packed twist on a classic!
Mac and cheese has always been considered a ‘kid food,’ but my kids still don’t like it! It’s all “don’t want, don’t like, no thanks.” This isn’t a post about how I finally found a mac and cheese recipe my picky kids will eat. Nope.
This post is about a Southwestern Mac and Cheese recipe that I love—and I eat all by myself.
We’ve made a lot of progress with picky eating, but sometimes, I crave something no one else will eat, and that’s okay! I hope Logan and Madeline will love this Southwestern Mac and Cheese recipe someday, but until then, I’ll enjoy every bite myself.
If I’m the only one eating it, I might as well make it exactly how I like it.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
If you’re looking for a creative mac and cheese idea with bold flavors, this is it! Here’s why this recipe stands out:
✔ Ultra Creamy – A rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and pepper jack.
✔ Bold Southwestern Flavors – Roasted green chiles, cumin, chili powder, and chipotle powder add a smoky kick.
✔ Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice by using mild or hot green chiles.
✔ Creative Mac and Cheese Twist – A fun alternative to classic macaroni and cheese!
Tools Needed
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these kitchen essentials:
- Casserole Dish – To bake the mac and cheese.
- Cheese Grater – For freshly grated cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
- Saucepan – To make the cheese sauce.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Whisk – To blend the roux and cheese sauce smoothly.
- Large Pot – To cook the pasta.
- Small Bowl – For mixing the panko breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Use this list to check your pantry before getting started! For the full ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, check out the FREE printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – For a crispy, buttery topping.
- Pasta – I use penne, but elbow macaroni, bowtie, wagon wheels, rotini, or shells work well.
- Butter & Flour – The base of the roux for a creamy cheese sauce.
- Southwestern Seasoning – A blend of cumin, chili powder, chipotle, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Milk – Creates a smooth, rich sauce.
- Cheese – A mix of cheddar and pepper jack for bold flavor.
- Grape Tomatoes – Adds freshness and a slight burst of acidity.
- Diced Roasted Green Chiles – For smoky heat.
How to Make Southwestern Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to create this Southwestern-inspired macaroni and cheese:
- Preheat the Oven – Set to 350°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- Make the Cheese Sauce – Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and spices, and cook for 2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously. Cook until thickened.
- Add the Cheese – Stir in shredded cheeses until melted.
- Combine Everything – Gently mix in cooked pasta, grape tomatoes, and green chiles. Pour into the baking dish.
- Make the Topping – Mix melted butter and panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake – Cook for 30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
Tip: Swap panko breadcrumbs for crushed tortilla chips for an extra-crunchy, Southwestern-style topping!
The above is simply a quick summary of this southwestern mac and cheese recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.
Tips for Making Creative Mac and Cheese
Want to mix things up? Here are three simple ways to create unique mac and cheese recipes:
- Experiment with Cheese – Try different combinations like Gruyere, smoked gouda, or Monterey jack. Check out The Flavor Bible for more unique cheese pairings!
- Use Different Pasta Shapes – Get creative with shells, rotini, wagon wheels, or bowtie pasta.
- Add Mix-Ins – Try chorizo, black beans, roasted corn, or sautéed spinach for extra flavor and protein.
Southwestern Mac and Cheese FAQs
Got questions about this Southwestern Mac and Cheese recipe? Below are answers to some commonly asked questions to help you get the best results. If you don’t see your question here, leave a comment—I’d love to help!
How spicy is this recipe?
This mac and cheese has a medium spice level from the pepper jack cheese and chipotle powder. To adjust heat, use mild or hot green chiles and modify the spices to your taste.
Katie’s Tip: Want a spicier version? Use hot green chiles and add extra chipotle powder. Prefer a milder mac and cheese? Stick with mild green chiles and reduce the spice blend slightly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mac and cheese up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add breadcrumbs just before baking.
Can I add protein?
Absolutely! Black beans or chorizo make great mix-ins for extra protein.Storage Instructions
- Reheating: Thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! To make Southwestern Macaroni and Cheese gluten-free, simply:
- Use gluten-free pasta (such as chickpea, lentil, or brown rice pasta).
- Substitute gluten-free flour (or cornstarch) in the cheese sauce.
- Swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or tortilla chips for a crispy topping.
What to Serve with Southwestern Mac and Cheese
Pair this dish with these delicious sides:
- Roasted Broccoli – A simple yet flavorful veggie option.
- Homemade Caesar Salad – The crisp, zesty flavors balance the creamy richness of the mac and cheese.
- Cilantro Lime Broccoli Slaw – A crisp, zesty side with a fresh, tangy slaw with a Mexican-inspired dressing; this salad lightens up the meal.
- Easy Black Bean Salad – Adds a protein-packed, a refreshing contrast, and a pop of color.
Try This Southwestern Mac and Cheese!
Have you tried this Southwestern Mac and Cheese recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below with your favorite mac and cheese mix-ins. Your feedback helps others and makes my day!
Don’t forget to share a photo on Instagram! I love seeing what you cook up in your kitchen! Snap a photo and tag me @goodlifeeats with #goodlifeeatsrecipes—I love sharing your delicious creations!
More Creative Mac and Cheese Recipes
Want to try more fun mac and cheese variations? Check out these flavorful twists!
- Cheesy Broccoli and Ham Rotini – A creamy classic with ham and broccoli.
- Fontina, Spinach, and Bacon Shells and Cheese – A gourmet take on shells and cheese.
- Baked White Cheddar Mac n Cheese with Kale and Bacon – A rich and hearty baked version.
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Southwestern Mac and Cheese
This creamy Southwestern Mac and Cheese is packed with bold flavors from pepper jack cheese, roasted green chiles, and smoky spices. A fun twist on a classic comfort food!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. penne, cooked according to package instructions and drained
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon southwestern seasoning (or a mix of cumin, chili powder, chipotle, garlic, salt, and pepper)
- 5 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups pepper jack cheese
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 - 4.5 ounce can diced roasted green chiles
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13 pan; set aside.
- Add butter to a small saucepan and melt over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and spices, then cook while stirring for 2 minutes or until mixed.
- Add the milk, 1 cup at a time, while whisking. Continue whisking until all of the milk has been added and the mixture is smooth. Cook for 3 minutes or until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Add the cheeses. Stir the sauce and cook until the cheese has melted and combined with the milk mixture. Gently stir in the pasta, tomatoes, and green chiles. Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared pan. Combine the melted butter and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the top of the pasta with the breadcrumbs. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Cool slightly before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 463Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 1100mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 23g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
Fiona Matthews says
It looks like simple delishious soul food… and if the kids dont want it.. then they are missing out..!
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar says
Gah!! This sounds so good!!