Best 3 Mac And Jack Cheese Recipes

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Mac and Jack cheese, a delectable dish that combines the classic comfort of macaroni and cheese with the bold flavors of pepper jack cheese, is a true culinary delight. Originating from the southern United States, this dish has gained immense popularity across the globe, captivating taste buds with its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and a hint of spice. In this article, we present an enticing collection of mac and Jack cheese recipes, each offering a unique twist to this beloved dish. From traditional stovetop methods to innovative variations like baked mac and Jack cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping, our recipes cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. We also explore exciting flavor combinations, such as adding bacon, jalapenos, or roasted tomatoes, to elevate this classic comfort food to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, our comprehensive guide will equip you with all the knowledge and techniques necessary to create a mouthwatering mac and Jack cheese dish that will leave your family and friends craving for more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

MAC AND JACK AND CHEESE



Mac and Jack and Cheese image

Make and share this Mac and Jack and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by sofie-a-toast

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 1h

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 lb elbow macaroni or 1 lb cavatappi pasta
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces monterey jack pepper cheese
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 tablespoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tomatoes
3/4 cup fresh white breadcrumbs or 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup jarred pickled jalapeno pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6-8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it (I sometimes just microwave). Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4 qt.) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk a little at a time and cook for a minutes or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the pepper jack, cheddar, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3 quart baking dish.
  • Slice the tomato and arrange on top with the jalapenos. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine butter with bread crumbs, and sprinkle on top. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and macaroni is browned on the top. If you want it more browned, try broiling ti for 2 minutes at the end.

BACON AND PEPPER JACK MAC & CHEESE



Bacon and Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese image

Cheesy, creamy and smoky, this not a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe. We really loved the bits of bacon throughout the mac and cheese. The jalapeno adds a mild spice, but it's not overwhelming. When looking for a special treat for the family, make sure to add this recipe to your menu. Creamy and delicious!

Provided by Diane Rodriguez

Categories     Pasta

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

12 oz dried pasta (I use medium shells or cavatappi)
10 slice bacon
1 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, small dice
1 small jalapeno, seeded and minced
2 clove garlic, pressed or minced
3 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 c chicken broth
1/2 c half and half or heavy cream (I use a mix)
1/4 c softened cream cheese
8 oz brick pepper jack, grated
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • 1. Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crispy. Set aside on a paper lined plate to cool, then chop.
  • 2. While bacon is cooking, bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain. Rinse so it doesn't stick together and set aside.
  • 3. Add the butter to the bacon drippings. When the butter melts, add in the onion and jalapeno. Cook until soft.
  • 4. Add the minced garlic and cook another minute or so, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  • 5. Add the flour to the skillet. Stir and cook just for a minute. Add in the chicken broth and half/half or cream. Bring up to a simmer, stirring until sauce thickens.
  • 6. Once sauce thickens, add in the cream cheese and pepper jack. Stir until melted.
  • 7. Add in the cooked pasta and stir to coat all the pasta. Add in the chopped bacon and stir. Adjust seasonings with the salt and pepper and serve.

MAC AND JACK CHEESE



Mac and Jack Cheese image

This is my take on a southwestern mac and cheese made with Monterrey jack! If you were pressed for time, you could just omit the crushed tortilla chips and mix the cheese in with the pasta and serve without baking! I think this dish would also be great with cooked chicken or ground beef! Enjoy!

Provided by KPD123

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 40m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 ounces pasta shells, cooked and drained
2 cups half-and-half or 2 cups milk
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 (4 ounce) can green chilies, chopped and drained
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups monterey jack cheese, shredded and divided
2/3 cup nacho cheese flavored tortilla chips, crushed (optional)

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, heat half-and-half over medium-high until it comes to a boil, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add cream cheese, stirring constantly until smooth, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir in green chilies, salt and pepper, and pasta. Toss to coat.
  • Spread half of pasta mixture into a greased 2-quart baking dish. Top with 1 cup cheese. Repeat once more with remaining pasta and cheese.
  • Sprinkle crushed chips over casserole. Bake at 350F degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly and topping is golden!

Tips

  • Use a block of sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains fillers and preservatives that can affect the taste and texture of the dish.
  • If you don't have evaporated milk, you can use regular milk instead. Just add an extra 1/4 cup of flour to the recipe to thicken the sauce.
  • Add a teaspoon of dry mustard to the cheese sauce for a tangy flavor boost.
  • If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top of the casserole before baking.
  • For a more flavorful dish, cook the macaroni in chicken broth instead of water.
  • If you're short on time, you can use a jar of store-bought cheese sauce instead of making your own.
  • Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, shells, and rotini are all good choices.

Conclusion

Mac and Jack cheese is a classic comfort food that is sure to please everyone at the table. It's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try.

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