Kicked Up Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese originated in Italy and was brought to the United States by Thomas Jefferson. It was then popularized as a comfort food in American cuisine.

This is vegetarian and high protein recipe. Dish can be prepared in 50 minutes. Recipe requires some culinary experience (medium difficulty). Number of ingredients: 11.

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Medium

Kicked Up Mac and Cheese

Cooking Method: Baking, Boiling Cuisine: American Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Dish Recipe Keys: High Protein Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 30 min Rest Time 5 min Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 1800

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 8 ounce Macaroni
• 2 cup Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 ounce Cream cheese
• 2 piece Jalapeno peppers
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon Cayenne pepper
• 1 cup Milk
• 2 tablespoon Butter
• ¹⁄₂ cup Breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced jalapenos and cook for 2-3 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and continue cooking until mixture is hot and bubbly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted.
7. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
11. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Total Carbohydrate 50g17%

Sugars 5g

Protein 15g30%

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* The Percentage Daily Values are calculated from a 2,000 calorie diet. Your specific daily value may vary, depending on your individual calorie requirements.