Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 lb cream cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp chipotle chili powder or more for a spicier version
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni until slightly underdone. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and mix to create a roux.
- Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking continuously until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined with the sauce.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the chipotle chili powder, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Adjust the heat according to your preference.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top becomes golden and bubbling.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: approx. 450kcal
Fat: approx. 28g
Carbohydrates: approx. 40g
Protein: approx. 18g
(Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.)
Dish Characteristics:
- Creamy and rich cheese sauce with a kick of chipotle spice.
- Perfectly cooked macaroni with a slightly crispy top layer.
- A classic American dish with a slight kick of heat for a modern twist.
User Comments:
- "This dish was delicious! The chipotle spice gave it a nice kick."
- "Love the combination of creamy cheese and chipotle chili. This will be a regular in my home."
- "The macaroni was cooked to perfection, and the cheese sauce was so creamy and rich."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Adjust the amount of chipotle chili powder according to your preference for heat level.
- Use fresh ingredients for best results.
- Ensure to cook the macaroni to the desired texture, as overcooking can make it too soft.
