Get ready to elevate your mac and cheese game with a mouthwatering twist that will make your taste buds dance! 🧀🌶️ This isn't your ordinary mac and cheese - it's a bold, flavor-packed adventure that combines creamy cheese, spicy Hatch green chiles, and juicy tomatoes in one irresistible dish. If you're tired of bland, boring pasta and craving something that will make your dinner guests say "WOW!", you've just discovered the ultimate comfort food recipe that promises to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheese
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup hatch green chiles, diced
- 2 cups milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: macaroni, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, diced hatch green chiles, milk, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, over medium heat, pour in the 2 cups of milk. Heat the milk until it's warm but not boiling.
- Gradually add the shredded cheese to the warm milk, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. This will create a creamy cheese sauce.
- Add the diced hatch green chiles to the cheese sauce, mixing well to incorporate them into the sauce.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to mix thoroughly.
- Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring that all the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- In a greased baking dish, pour the macaroni and cheese mixture. Spread it out evenly.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with the diced tomatoes, distributing them evenly over the surface.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, and enjoy your Tomato Topped Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- 🔸 For the creamiest mac and cheese, use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged - it melts more smoothly and provides better flavor. 🔸 If Hatch green chiles are hard to find, you can substitute with canned mild green chiles or jalapeños for a similar kick. 🔸 Make sure to drain your macaroni completely to prevent a watery cheese sauce. 🔸 For extra crunch, consider adding breadcrumbs on top before baking for a golden, crispy finish. 🔸 Use whole milk for the richest, most luxurious cheese sauce. 🔸 Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly in the oven. 🔸 Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and make serving easier.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 499kcal
Carbohydrates: 53g
Protein: 26g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 52mg
