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Creamy Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese - featured image
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A creamy and flavorful mac and cheese featuring smoky Hatch green chiles and a crispy breadcrumb topping, perfect for a comforting and slightly spicy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup diced roasted Hatch green chiles
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  3. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Fold in diced roasted Hatch green chiles gently.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  6. In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Toss in panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoked paprika if using. Mix until evenly coated.
  7. Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the top.
  8. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until topping is golden and crispy and cheese is bubbling.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta as it will cook more in the oven. Warm milk before adding to avoid lumps. Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch if desired. Adjust spice level by varying Hatch chile amount. Use gluten-free or dairy-free substitutes as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hatch green chili, mac and cheese, creamy, crispy breadcrumbs, comfort food, cheesy, easy dinner

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-hatch-green-chili-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-easy-and-delicious/