Texas-Style Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese: Bold, Creamy Delight

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When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to the rich, creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. But if you’re in Texas, you know that everything is done bigger and bolder. That’s where this Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese comes in, blending the velvety texture of a classic dish with the signature kick that Texans adore. Imagine the creaminess of mozzarella melting together with the subtle heat of pepper jack, wrapped around perfectly cooked noodles. It’s not just a meal, it’s a celebration of flavor that captures the heart of Texas in every bite.

Whether you're a Texan through and through or just someone looking for a little heat in their comfort food, this stovetop mac & cheese recipe will become your go-to. Its simplicity makes it ideal for busy weeknights, while its bold flavors make it a standout at family gatherings or weekend get-togethers. The combination of pepper jack cheese and a hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of spice, making it a perfect balance between creamy and fiery.

The best part? You don’t need an oven or hours of preparation. In under 20 minutes, you’ll be serving up a steaming bowl of macaroni and cheese that tastes like it took hours to make. It’s a Texas-sized win for your kitchen, whether you’re enjoying it as a main dish or a hearty side.

Recipe: Texas-Style Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese

Ingredients:

• ½ pound uncooked elbow noodles or similar short pasta
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups milk (2% works great)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 ½ cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow noodles (or any short pasta of your choice) and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble. Slowly whisk in the flour, adding it one tablespoon at a time. Make sure each addition is fully cooked to avoid a raw flour taste. The mixture should become thick and pale yellow—this is your roux.
3. Gradually add in the milk while whisking constantly. Keep cooking the mixture until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to taste. Once the sauce is off the heat, stir in the shredded pepper jack and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until all the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
5. Return the drained pasta to the pot, stirring to coat the noodles in the luscious cheese sauce.
6. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra pepper jack or red pepper flakes for an added kick if desired.

With only a few steps, this dish transforms ordinary macaroni into a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table. The richness of the cheese paired with the subtle spiciness of the pepper jack makes this an unforgettable twist on a classic.

Whether it’s a cold Texas night or a casual summer cookout, this stovetop mac & cheese will warm your heart and ignite your taste buds.

For your Pepper Jack Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese, you're on track for a quick and flavorful dish, but here are some tips from top sources to elevate it even further:

1. Cheese Sauce Tips: Make sure to add your milk gradually while whisking, which helps prevent lumps from forming in your roux​(Persnickety Plates)​(Created by Diane). Once the cheese is fully melted, if your sauce feels too thick, a splash of extra milk can help smooth it out​(Persnickety Plates).
2. Adding Heat: If you're into more spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or an extra sprinkle of cayenne pepper​(Created by Diane)​(Home Cooking Collective). This will complement the pepper jack's kick, making the dish bolder.
3. Optional Toppings: For added texture, try incorporating a crunchy topping like crispy bacon bits, toasted breadcrumbs, or even crushed fried onions​(Taste of Home)​(Created by Diane). This can add a satisfying contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
4. Serving Ideas: Pairing this mac and cheese with BBQ meats or roasted vegetables can create a well-rounded meal​(Persnickety Plates)​(Home Cooking Collective).

If you'd like more detailed variations on this recipe, or tips for perfecting your stovetop mac and cheese, check out these sources from (Taste of Home)tp​(Persnickety Plates)/recip​(Home Cooking Collective)k-mac/), Persnickety Plates, and Home Cooking Collective.

Enjoy your spicy, creamy mac and cheese!