Chipotle Mac and Cheese
This Chipotle Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a kick—creamy, smoky, and just spicy enough to keep you coming back for more. Loaded with sharp cheddar, nutty gruyere, and a generous dose of chipotle peppers in adobo, it’s anything but boring. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a hearty side, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to disappear fast.
Welcome to Whisked Away Kitchen where you’ll find globally-inspired recipes featuring seasonal ingredients for the adventurous home cook!
Print Recipe-
Prep Time
30 Minutes -
Cook Time
20 Minutes -
Servings
8–12
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces medium pasta shells
- 6 tablespoons Hiland Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups Hiland Lactose Free Milk (or Whole Milk)
- 16 ounces sharp cheddar, grated
- 8 ounces gruyere, grated
- 3-4 whole chipotles in adobo, finely chopped (plus 2-3 tbsp adobo sauce from can)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Breadcrumb Topping
- 2 cups crusty bread cut into 1/2-inch pieces, such as sourdough
- 3 tablespoons Hiland Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of kosher salt
- 1 ounce parmesan, grated (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (a slightly smaller dish will also work).
- Make the mac and cheese. Cook pasta until just al dente. Drain, transfer to a large bowl, and toss with 2 tablespoons of butter until the butter is fully melted.
- While the pasta cooks, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low. When the mixture is no longer bubbling, add the cheddar and gruyere, a handful at a time, whisking until melted. Stir in chipotles, adobo sauce, paprika, mustard powder, garlic powder, and salt. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add the pasta and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- For the topping, toss the melted butter with the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and parmesan if using. Scatter evenly over the pasta.
- Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Thank you for signing up!
