Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy pasta recipe loaded with cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and banana peppers.
Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a delicious variation of traditional macaroni and cheese that incorporates pepper jack cheese into the sauce.
The creamy sauce is made with butter, flour, half and half and cream cheese.
This macaroni and cheese recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish and serves up to eight people.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz medium shell pasta noodles
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups half and half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced banana peppers
Topping
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- banana pepper rings
Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.
Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!
Step by Step Instructions for Making Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
STEP 1:
To make this baked mac and cheese, I started by cooking some shell pasta noodles according to the directions on the package.
Then I drained the pasta and set it aside.
STEP 2:
I added some butter to a large pot over medium heat.
Once the butter was melted, I added some minced garlic to the pot.
STEP 3:
I stirred and cooked the garlic for 2 minutes.
STEP 4:
I added some all purpose flour to the skillet.
I stirred until the flour and melted butter were fully combined.
I continued cooking the flour and butter mixture for a few minutes until it browned slightly.
STEP 5:
I gradually poured some half and half into the pot while stirring continuously.
I continued stirring until smooth.
STEP 6:
I added some cubed cream cheese to the pot.
I stirred until the cream cheese was completely melted.
STEP 7:
I added some salt, pepper and paprika to the pot.
I stirred well again.
STEP 8:
I added the cooked pasta to the pot.
I stirred until all of the noodles were coated in sauce.
STEP 9:
I added some shredded pepper jack cheese to the pot.
I stirred until the cheese was melted.
STEP 10:
I added some diced banana peppers to the pot.
I stirred the banana peppers into the pasta.
I sprayed a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
I poured the pasta into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
STEP 11:
I sprinkled some shredded pepper jack cheese on top.
I placed some banana pepper rings on top of the cheese.
STEP 12:
Then I placed the dish in the oven and baked the mac and cheese for about 20 minutes until it was bubbling and the cheese on top was just starting to brown.
I removed the dish from the oven and allowed it to rest for a few minutes.
Then the creamy baked mac and cheese was ready to scoop and serve.
Indulge in this zesty Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese, where creamy comfort meets a spicy kick!
Tender noodles generously coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with melted pepper jack cheese and cream cheese, deliver a tantalizing blend of smoothness and heat.
It’s a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite that’s sure to leave your taste buds tingling with delight!
If your are looking for a baked pasta recipe with a kick, then you need to try this Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese!
More Mac and Cheese Recipes You'll Love
How should I store Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
What substitutions could I make?
- Shell Pasta: Any shape of short pasta noodles would work for this recipe. Macaroni, penne and cavatappi would all work well.
- Banana Peppers: You could use jalapeno peppers instead of banana peppers. You could also just omit the peppers entirely if you prefer less of a kick.
What should I serve with Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese?
Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is already quite flavorful, so you’ll want something that complements it without overpowering it. Here are a few suggestions:
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: Serve some grilled or roasted vegetables on the side, such as asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers. Their natural sweetness and slight char will balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy and spicy mac and cheese.
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A side of garlic bread or breadsticks is always a hit with mac and cheese. The crispy exterior and soft interior of the bread are perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.
- Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: If you’re looking to add some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp can be a delicious addition. Their mild flavor won’t compete with the spiciness of the mac and cheese.
Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese
Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a rich and creamy pasta recipe loaded with cream cheese, pepper jack cheese and banana peppers.
Ingredients
- 12 oz medium shell pasta noodles
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 cup flour
- 3 cups half and half
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/4 cup diced banana peppers
Topping
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- banana pepper rings
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F.
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain and set aside.
- Drop the butter into a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted add the minced garlic to the pot. Stir and cook the garlic for 2 minutes.
- Add the flour to the pot. Stir the flour and melted butter together well. Continue cooking the mixture for a few minutes until it browns very slightly.
- Pour in the half and half while stirring continuously.
- Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add them to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is melted.
- Add the salt, pepper and paprika to the pot and stir well.
- Add the cooked pasta to the pot and stir until all of the noodles are coated in sauce.
- Add 3 cups of shredded pepper jack cheese to the pot and stir until it's melted.
- Add the diced banana peppers to the pot and stir well.
- Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish well with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese on top.
- Place some banana pepper rings on top of the cheese.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake until it's bubbling and the cheese on top is starting to brown. 20 - 23 minutes.
- Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 580Total Fat: 44gSaturated Fat: 28gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 130mgSodium: 825mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 2gSugar: 6gProtein: 23g
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Hi! My name is Erin and I have been here since 2016 sharing simple family friendly recipes that can be prepared by any home cook. Get ready to whip up delicious meals in no time!