Creamy Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe for Comfort

Creamy comfort meets zesty heat in this mouthwatering pepper jack stovetop macaroni & cheese that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Sharp cheese melts into a silky blanket of deliciousness, promising pure culinary bliss.

Spicy undertones give traditional mac and cheese an unexpected twist.

Forget bland pasta dishes – this recipe brings serious flavor to your dinner table.

Quick and easy preparation means you can whip up this cheesy magic in minutes.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with melted goodness and a peppery kick.

Grab a fork and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible meal that screams pure comfort.

Why People Crave Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

• Super fast stovetop mac and cheese ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or sudden hunger cravings.
• Pepper Jack cheese brings a bold, zesty kick that transforms ordinary mac and cheese into an exciting flavor adventure, making every bite more interesting than traditional recipes.
• Creamy, cheesy texture appeals to kids while the subtle spice gives adults a gourmet twist, creating a universal crowd-pleaser that satisfies everyone at the dinner table.
• Minimizes kitchen cleanup with a simple cooking process using the same pot for pasta and sauce, reducing dishes and saving precious time after meal preparation.

Ingredients Used in This Pepper Jack Macaroni Dish

• Pasta: The base of the dish, provides hearty texture and holds the cheese sauce well. Short shapes like elbow macaroni work best for easy eating.

• Butter, Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Milk, Heavy Cream: Create a rich and creamy sauce with bold, spicy flavor. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melting and smoother texture.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile with depth and warmth. Use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.

• Parsley, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds color, freshness, and optional extra heat. Fresh parsley provides a bright finish to the dish.

How to Cook Pepper Jack Macaroni on the Stovetop

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle salt. Bring water to a rolling boil. Drop pasta into bubbling water and cook until tender but slightly firm. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Roux Foundation

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Heavy cream (optional)

Return the same pot to the stove. Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour continuously until mixture turns golden and smells nutty. Slowly pour milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let sauce simmer and thicken.

Step 3: Melt Cheese Magic

• Pepper Jack cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Lower heat and sprinkle cheeses into sauce. Stir until smooth and glossy. Shake in spices, tasting and adjusting seasoning as desired.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Tumble cooked pasta into cheesy sauce. Gently fold until every pasta piece gets completely coated with spicy, melted cheese.

Step 5: Serve With Flair

Transfer macaroni to serving dishes. Optional: Scatter fresh chopped parsley or red pepper flakes on top for extra zest and color.

Tips That Make This Macaroni Extra Creamy

• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust spiciness by choosing mild or spicy Pepper Jack cheese or adding extra red pepper flakes for more kick.
• Achieve Perfect Sauce Consistency: Whisk roux continuously and add milk slowly to prevent burning and create a silky, thick cheese sauce.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• Boost Nutrition: Incorporate diced vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli during the cheese sauce stage for added vitamins and color.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Pepper Jack Mac

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the mac and cheese cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add small amount of milk, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between each interval to distribute heat evenly.
• Cream-based cheese sauces tend to separate and lose texture when frozen, so best enjoyed fresh within a few days.

Dishes That Pair Well with This Cheesy Favorite

• Choose a crisp, slightly sweet Riesling to balance the pepper jack's heat and complement the creamy cheese sauce's richness.
• Select a hoppy IPA with citrus notes that cuts through the mac and cheese's richness while matching its bold pepper flavor.
• Prepare a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a bright, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Add a side of quick-pickled cucumber slices to introduce a tangy, refreshing element that offsets the dish's creamy and spicy profile.

Creative Spins on Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Pepper Jack Mac: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni or brown rice pasta. Use gluten-free flour blend for the roux to maintain the same creamy texture.
• Vegan Spicy Cheese Alternative: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew milk, nutritional yeast, and vegan cheese alternatives. Use plant-based butter for the roux and select dairy-free pepper jack style cheese.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Edition: Swap traditional pasta with riced cauliflower or spiralized zucchini. Maintain the rich cheese sauce while reducing carbohydrate content for a lighter meal option.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add diced grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or cooked ground turkey to boost protein content. Mix in additional protein-rich ingredients directly into the creamy cheese sauce for extra nutrition.

Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy pepper jack macaroni & cheese delivers bold, spicy comfort with minimal effort. Cheesy, zesty pasta promises a quick weeknight dinner solution that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 2 cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Garnishes:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley
• Optional: crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious pot with salted water, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving an al dente texture, typically following package recommendations. Once cooked, carefully drain and reserve the pasta.
2. Return the identical pot to medium heat. Allow butter to melt completely, creating a smooth base. Introduce flour and continuously whisk, creating a golden roux that develops rich flavor and eliminates raw flour taste.
3. Gently stream milk and cream into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent lumps. Allow the mixture to softly simmer, gradually thickening into a velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.
4. Reduce heat to low. Progressively incorporate Pepper Jack and cheddar cheeses, stirring until creating a luxuriously smooth, molten cheese sauce. Integrate garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting seasonings for balanced flavor complexity.
5. Reintroduce drained pasta into the cheese sauce, gently folding to ensure each pasta piece becomes thoroughly enrobed in the creamy mixture. Ensure uniform coating for maximum flavor distribution.
6. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, offering optional garnishes like fresh parsley or crushed red pepper flakes for those desiring an additional spicy dimension. Serve piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Master the roux by continuously whisking to prevent burning and create a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
• Grate cheese fresh for optimal melting and creamier texture, avoiding pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting Pepper Jack quantity or adding extra spices like cayenne for more kick.
• Make it gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or rice pasta and using gluten-free flour for the roux.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg