Description
A creamy and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese, featuring the unique combination of chipotle and mango.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup diced ripe mango (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and diced mango until well combined. If desired, mix in chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- If using panko breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle panko on top, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chipotle-mango mac & cheese!
Notes
- For a smoky flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or diced ham to the mac and cheese before baking.
- Substitute the mango with diced pineapple for a tropical twist, or use roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Chipotle-Mango Mac & Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, unique mac and cheese recipes