This Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese recipe is a fun twist on the original, but still made in less than 15 minutes! With standard macaroni and cheese ingredients and the addition of tomatoes, jalapeno and pepper jack cheese for a kick! This is sure to be a crowd favorite!

Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese in white bowl.

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    Kelley Simmons Kelley’s Tips

    Before You Get Started

    • Shred Your Own Cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated in anti-caking agents that can make it harder for the cheese to melt smoothly. Freshly shredded is always the best option!
    • Make it a Meal. Add some protein like blackened chicken or shrimp! Even bacon or pancetta would be delicious. It’s also a great vegetarian meal all on its own!
    • Make it a Casserole. Just assemble in a baking dish and warm in the oven at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or so, or until bubbling around the edges. Top with some shredded pepper jack and/or breadcrumbs, if desired.
    Kelley

    Ingredients

    • Cavatappi Pasta – I like this pasta for this Spicy Mac and Cheese for its shape and ability to hold the sauce on the inside, but you can use any dry pasta you like. Penne, farfalle or elbow macaroni would all work great!
    • Roux – Make a simple roux as the thickening base for your cheese sauce using unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and milk. Whole is best, but you can use any type of milk you prefer.
    • Pepper Jack Cheese – This is one of the ingredients that gives this Spicy Mac and Cheese its kick. You can also use Monterey Jack cheese instead or sharp cheddar cheese.
    • Cherry Tomatoes – Add a pop of color, texture and pops of sweetness to the mac and cheese! I use either cherry tomatoes or whole diced tomatoes. Whatever I have on hand.
    • Jalapeno + Tabasco Sauce + Cayenne Pepper – Along with the pepper jack cheese, these make this homemade mac and cheese spicy, but not overly hot.
    • Fresh Parsley– For garnish and pops of green.

    How To Make Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

    1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the Cavatappi until al-dente, rinse with cold water in a colander and set aside.
    Pasta cooking in boiling water.
    1. Make the Cheese Sauce: Start by preparing your roux. First, melt the butter in a small saucepan, then whisk in flour. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until toasted. Add the milk, and whisk constantly to combine while simmering for 3-4 minutes, or until thick. Remove from heat, and stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
    Cheese sauce in a saucepan.
    1. Add Mix-Ins: Stir in tomatoes, jalapeno, Tabasco, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper.
    Spicy cheese sauce in saucepan for macaroni and cheese.
    1. Assemble and Serve: Pour cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and toss to combine. Serve with a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.
    Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese in bowl with fork.

    Serving Suggestions

    Looking for more mac and cheese recipes? Try my Three Cheese Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese, and Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I store and reheat leftover mac and cheese?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container or plastic bag, or you can freeze it as a casserole for easy reheating later.

    Reheat in the microwave until warmed through and bubbling, or pop the casserole in the oven at 350 for 45 minutes until warmed through and bubbling around the edges.

    Is this dish really spicy?

    It has a moderate kick from the pepper jack, jalapeño, cayenne, and Tabasco. You can adjust the spice level by reducing or omitting the cayenne and hot sauce.

    Can I double the recipe?

    Absolutely! Just scale the ingredients up accordingly and use a larger saucepan for the cheese sauce.

    Pepper jack macaroni and cheese in white bowl.

    Pasta Recipes To Try

    Recipe

    Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

    4.75 from 4 votes
    This Spicy Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese recipe is a fun twist on the original, but still made in less than 15 minutes! With standard macaroni and cheese ingredients and the addition of tomatoes, jalapeno and pepper jack cheese for a kick! This is sure to be a crowd favorite!
    Author: Kelley Simmons
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Serves 4
    Rate Print

    Save this Recipe

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      Ingredients 

      Instructions

      • Boil pasta until al-dente.
      • Meanwhile add butter to a small saucepan. Heat until melted.
      • Stir in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes.
      • Add milk and simmer whisking constantly for another 3-4 minutes until thick.
      • Take off of the heat and whisk in cheese until fully melted.
      • Stir in tomatoes, jalapeno, Tabasco, cayenne pepper, ground mustard, Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      • Pour cheese sauce over the cooked noodles and toss to combine.
      • Serve with a sprinkle of parsley for garnish and serve immediately!

      Notes

      Original recipe from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish my recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post. Thank you!

      Nutrition Information

      Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 10gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 279mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 471IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 184mgIron: 1mg

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