Pepper Belly Pete Mac and Cheese Recipe
Pepper Belly Pete Mac and Cheese Recipe is bold, creamy and full of personality. I first tried a spicy mac like this on a cool night. One bite warmed me fast.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni – 1 pound
- Butter – 4 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons
- Whole milk – 3 cups
- Heavy cream – 1 cup
- Sharp cheddar cheese – 2 cups shredded
- Monterey Jack cheese – 1½ cups shredded
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces
- Jalapeños – 2 finely chopped
- Roasted red peppers – ½ cup chopped
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1½ teaspoons
- Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
- Breadcrumbs – ½ cup
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water. Cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish.
Melt the Butter
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Do not let it brown.
Add the Flour
- Whisk flour into butter. Cook for one minute to remove raw taste.
Add Milk Slowly
- Pour milk slowly while whisking. Keep stirring until smooth and thickened.
Add Cream
- Add heavy cream. Stir gently and let sauce simmer softly.
Add Cream Cheese
- Add cream cheese pieces. Stir until fully melted and smooth.
Add Shredded Cheese
- Lower heat. Add cheddar and Monterey Jack. Stir until melted.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, pepper, garlic powder and smoked paprika. Stir well.
Add the Peppers
- Stir in jalapeños and roasted red peppers evenly.
Combine with Pasta
- Add cooked pasta to sauce. Stir until fully coated.
Transfer to Dish
- Pour mac and cheese into baking dish. Spread evenly.
Prepare Topping
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle over the top.
Bake Until Golden
- Bake for twenty minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
Rest Before Serving
- Let dish rest five minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use gloves when chopping jalapeños.
- Remove seeds for less heat.
- Add bacon for smoky flavor.
- Use pepper jack cheese for extra spice.
- Skip baking for stovetop version.
- Add hot sauce for more kick.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.