Fiery Pepper Jack Stovetop Mac & Cheese Recipe for All Ages

Creamy comfort meets a fiery twist in this pepper jack stovetop macaroni and cheese that’ll set your taste buds dancing.

Melted cheese blends seamlessly with zesty spices, creating a mac and cheese experience that breaks all the traditional rules.

Sharp pepper jack cheese weaves its magic through every golden, cheesy strand.

The robust flavors pack a punch that goes beyond ordinary pasta dishes.

This recipe delivers a quick and irresistible meal perfect for those nights when you crave something bold and satisfying.

Each bite promises a delightful heat that lingers just long enough to keep you coming back for more.

Prepare to fall in love with a mac and cheese that refuses to be ordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 670 kcal

Servings: 4

Mac and Cheese Ingredient Snapshot

• Pasta: Choose medium-sized pasta with ridges to hold cheese sauce perfectly, enhancing overall texture and flavor absorption.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for sauce with deep, velvety flavor profile.
• Flour: Crucial for thickening sauce and providing silky, consistent texture.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Delivers creamy consistency and luxurious mouthfeel to sauce.

• Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Provides bold, spicy kick with classic cheesy depth, select high-quality, freshly grated cheeses for maximum melting potential.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic warmth without overpowering other ingredients.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertones and vibrant color.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall flavor profile.

• Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Offers fresh herbal notes and optional extra heat for adventurous palates.

Tools for Stovetop Mac That Melts Just Right

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta and creating the cheese sauce, with plenty of space for stirring.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending roux and creating smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Colander: Needed to drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring cheese sauce and mixing pasta with sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately measuring ingredients like milk, flour, and spices.
• Cheese Grater: Recommended for freshly grating Pepper Jack and cheddar cheese for best melting.

Cook Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese Fast

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle salt generously. Let the water dance and bubble, then drop in your pasta. Cook until it’s tender but still has a little bite. Drain and set aside.

• Create Creamy Cheese Base

Return the same pot to the stove. Melt butter until it’s golden and frothy. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly to create a smooth foundation. Slowly pour in milk, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky sauce.

• Unleash Cheese

Lower the heat and invite Pepper Jack and cheddar to the party. Stir until they melt into a luxurious blanket. Sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning until it sings.

• Marry Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cooked pasta into the cheesy wonderland. Gently toss until every noodle is coated in creamy, spicy goodness.

• Serve and Enjoy

Scoop into bowls immediately. For adventurous souls, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to amp up the heat. Dig in while it’s hot and irresistible!

Spice Up Your Mac with Simple Twists

• Whisk the roux constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a silky-smooth sauce base.
• Swap regular Pepper Jack for mild or extra-spicy versions to adjust heat intensity according to personal preference.
• Fold in cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or crumbled sausage for a heartier one-pot meal that satisfies hungry appetites.
• Stir in roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions to add nutrition and depth of flavor without compromising the creamy texture.
• Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to make this comfort dish accessible for those with dietary restrictions.

Serve Mac and Cheese That’s Bold and Creamy

• Spicy Game Night Delight: Pair this zesty macaroni and cheese with crispy chicken wings or jalapeño poppers for a flavor-packed party spread.
• Hearty Comfort Bowl: Top the mac and cheese with crispy bacon bits, green onions, or toasted breadcrumbs to add extra crunch and depth to the creamy dish.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken, diced ham, or blackened shrimp to transform this side dish into a satisfying main course that's both filling and delicious.
• Fresh Green Companion: Serve alongside a bright, tangy arugula salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, spicy cheese sauce and create a well-rounded meal.

Store Stovetop Mac Without Drying It Out

• Cool macaroni and cheese to room temperature within 2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers for refrigeration.
• Safely store in sealed containers for 3-4 days, maintaining best texture and flavor when reheated gently.
• Warm slowly on stovetop with splash of milk, stirring frequently to restore creamy consistency and prevent sauce separation.
• Can be frozen for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers, allowing convenient make-ahead meal preparation with minimal quality loss.

FAQs

• Why use Pepper Jack cheese in this mac and cheese?

Pepper Jack adds a spicy kick and creamy texture that makes the dish more exciting than traditional mac and cheese. The cheese brings a zesty flavor that elevates the classic comfort food.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend when making the roux. Use gluten-free pasta to complete the adaptation.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently. Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged, as it melts more smoothly. Keep the heat low when incorporating cheese to maintain a silky texture.

• Is this mac and cheese spicy?

The Pepper Jack cheese provides a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer less spice, use half Pepper Jack and half mild cheddar, or choose a more mild cheese variety to reduce the spiciness.

Spicy Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese delivers bold, spicy comfort in one pot. Cheesy pasta promises a quick, satisfying meal that brings zesty warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water, bringing to a vigorous boil. Cook pasta until perfectly tender, following package guidelines. Drain and set aside, preserving the pasta’s ideal texture.
2. Roux Foundation: Return pot to medium heat, melting butter completely. Whisk in flour, creating a golden roux that develops a nutty essence and eliminates raw flour undertones. The mixture should transform into a smooth, aromatic base.
3. Sauce Development: Gradually pour milk and cream into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, thickening into a silky sauce that elegantly coats a spoon. The consistency should be rich and velvety.
4. Cheese Fusion: Reduce heat to low. Gradually fold in Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until a luxurious, glossy cheese sauce emerges. Incorporate garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, balancing flavors with precise seasoning.
5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce drained pasta into the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating. Each pasta piece should be lavishly enrobed in the creamy mixture, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
6. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately, offering optional garnishes like fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra flavor dimension. Serve steaming hot to maximize taste and maintain the dish’s creamy integrity.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose elbow macaroni or short pasta with ridges to help cheese sauce cling better, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously to prevent burning, creating a smooth base that guarantees a silky, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Remove pot from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation, stirring gently until fully incorporated for a creamy, consistent texture.
• Spice Customization: Adjust pepper jack quantity for heat level, swap cheeses for dietary needs, or add extra spices like cayenne for more intense flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg