Spicy & Savory: The Ultimate Jalapeño and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese Recipe for Your Next Indulgence
There are certain dishes that transcend mere sustenance, becoming a celebration in themselves. Jalapeño and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese is precisely one such culinary masterpiece. This isn’t just your average comfort food; it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed experience designed to reward, delight, and satisfy. Whether you’re marking a special occasion, treating yourself after a significant achievement, or simply seeking an extraordinary twist on a beloved classic, this recipe delivers an unforgettable combination of creamy indulgence, smoky richness, and a delightful spicy kick.
For me, this dish holds a special place, often serving as the perfect post-triathlon splurge! Finishing a long-distance triathlon demands a serious reward, and after pushing my limits, I crave substantial carbs, bold flavors, and a touch of heat. This particular macaroni and cheese, with its saucy blend of diced chorizo and zesty pickled jalapeños nestled in a luxurious cheese sauce, hits all the right notes. It’s the ultimate treat to replenish energy and celebrate success.
The Thrill of the Race: Celebrating Victory with Unforgettable Flavors
Today was truly an incredible experience! I participated in the Rocketman Florida triathlon, held at the iconic Kennedy Space Center. Opting for the International+ distance, I tackled a challenging 0.93-mile swim, a 29-mile bike ride, and a 6.2-mile run. The day began with a breathtaking swim under a gorgeous pink sunrise sky, a moment of serene beauty before the intense physical challenge ahead.
The bike leg was an absolute highlight, taking us over the NASA causeway, where pristine waters stretched out beneath a vibrant sky. We cycled past the colossal Vehicle Assembly Building – an immense structure that felt like an endless destination as I pedaled towards it. This building, famous for housing the space shuttle and its external tank, offered a truly unique backdrop. The route also passed by historic shuttle launch pads, providing a profound sense of awe and connection to space exploration. The entire bike course was just too cool for words!
The final leg, the run, led us beneath the wings of magnificently preserved old warbird planes, specially arranged outside their comfortable hangars just for the event. Not only was the location utterly spectacular, but I also achieved my fastest swim and bike times ever in a competition. This race was different; for the first time, I wasn’t merely striving to reach the finish line. I truly *raced*, pushing my limits and competing with myself. That feeling of performance and achievement was absolutely amazing and incredibly empowering.
But beyond the personal bests and the stunning scenery, the most cherished part of the day was my daughter’s presence. My amazing girl woke up with me at “oh-my-lord o’clock,” arriving with a chair, camera, and a packed lunch, ready to be my dedicated cheering section and unwavering support. After the demanding bike portion, as I returned to the chaotic transition area, amidst all the commotion and noise, I could clearly hear her voice in the distance, “GARMIN! GARMIN! GARMIN!” reminding me not to forget my Garmin computer on my bike – a habit I often fall into. Then, as I set out on the run, she met me with a high-five, a simple gesture that conveyed so much encouragement. That singular moment, her voice cutting through the noise, her thoughtful reminder, and her high-five, is something I will cherish forever.
The Perfect Post-Race Indulgence: Spicy Chorizo Mac and Cheese
With the race now triumphantly concluded, it’s time to relax, recoup, and savor the accomplishment – at least for a couple of days! And what better way to celebrate and refuel than with a brand new, incredibly satisfying Mac & Cheese recipe? Seriously, Mac ‘n Cheese! Can I get an AMEN?! This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a bold culinary adventure that perfectly combines the rich, smoky flavors of chorizo with the tangy heat of jalapeños. If you’ve never experienced how well chorizo, which brings its own fantastic kick, pairs with the vibrant spice of jalapeño, you’re in for a truly delightful surprise.
I absolutely adore the flavor of jalapeños, even when the heat is mellowed, and their combination with the savory, spiced chorizo is nothing short of incredible. Then, the luxurious, creamy cheese sauce envelops everything, expertly taming any excessive heat while elevating the entire dish to cheesy mac perfection. The way the spices from the chorizo meld with the bright, pickled notes of the jalapeños creates a complex yet harmonious profile that is utterly addictive. This isn’t just comfort food; it’s an elevated comfort food experience that will have you reaching for seconds. Can you tell I’m excited about this? Because yes, this Jalapeño and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese is genuinely that good, offering a comforting warmth and an exciting burst of flavor in every single bite!
Unpacking the Flavors: Why This Spicy Mac and Cheese Works
This Jalapeño and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese stands out from other recipes due to its carefully balanced flavor profile and thoughtful ingredient choices. Let’s delve into what makes this dish so exceptionally delicious and why it’s destined to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
The Dynamic Duo: Chorizo and Jalapeños
- Chorizo: The recipe specifically calls for Spanish-style chorizo, which is a cured, dried sausage, typically seasoned with paprika and garlic. This is distinct from Mexican chorizo, which is a fresh, raw sausage. Spanish chorizo brings a deep, smoky, and intensely savory flavor to the dish, along with a pleasant warmth from its spices. When diced and browned, it renders out a beautiful red oil that infuses the entire dish with its rich essence, contributing both flavor and a lovely color. Its robust character stands up perfectly to the creamy sauce and the zing of the jalapeños.
- Pickled Jalapeños: While fresh jalapeños offer a crisp heat, pickled jalapeños bring a unique tanginess and a more consistent, mellowed heat that beautifully cuts through the richness of the cheese and chorizo. The pickling process enhances their flavor, adding a bright, acidic counterpoint that elevates the dish beyond simple spiciness. Finely dicing them ensures that their flavor is distributed evenly throughout the macaroni, giving you a pleasant surprise in every forkful.
The Heart of the Dish: Creamy Cheese Sauce
A truly great macaroni and cheese hinges on a velvety, luscious cheese sauce. This recipe uses a classic roux-based sauce, which is the foundation for a perfectly smooth and thick consistency. Starting with butter and flour, a roux is cooked to eliminate any raw flour taste before milk is slowly whisked in, creating a rich béchamel. The magic happens when the cheeses are introduced:
- Pepperjack Cheese: This is a fantastic choice for a spicy mac and cheese because it already contains jalapeño peppers, providing an extra layer of mild heat and a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Its savory, slightly spicy notes complement the chorizo and pickled jalapeños perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
- Cream Cheese: The addition of cream cheese is a secret weapon for achieving unparalleled creaminess. It adds a luxurious richness and a silky smooth texture to the sauce, preventing it from becoming grainy and ensuring every strand of macaroni is coated in cheesy goodness.
- Seasoning: Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper are essential for seasoning, enhancing all the other flavors. The touch of Dijon mustard is a subtle but crucial ingredient. It doesn’t make the dish taste like mustard; instead, it acts as an emulsifier, helping the cheese sauce stay smooth, and it also brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a hint of complexity that makes the cheese taste even cheesier.
The Finishing Touch: Panko Breadcrumbs
Topping this baked mac and cheese with panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil creates a wonderfully crisp and golden-brown crust. Panko, a Japanese-style breadcrumb, is lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in an exceptionally crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. This adds a delightful textural element that makes each bite even more satisfying.
This Jalapeño and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of heat, savory depth, and creamy indulgence, making it ideal for a comforting meal, a celebratory feast, or simply when you need a dish that’s truly extraordinary. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
If this recipe looks good, check out my Basic Creamy Macaroni and Cheese recipe as the essential guide for all things Mac and Cheese.
Jalapeno and Chorizo Macaroni and Cheese
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Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- ½ lb Spanish-style chorizo sausage finely diced
- 2 Tbs unsalted butter
- 2 Tbs all-purpose flour
- 2 cup milk
- 2 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch fresh cracked pepper
- ¼ cup finely diced pickled jalapeno
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- garnish: fresh sliced jalapeno
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
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Heat a large saute pan over high heat. Add the chorizo and cook, stirring often, until sausage is browned. Drain fat and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, heat the butter with the flour over medium heat, whisking until bubbly. Cook 2 minutes to cook the flour and make a roux. Slowly whisk in the the milk. Heat, stirring constantly, a minute or two until quite warm. Reduce heat to medium low and add both cheeses, salt, Dijon, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Stir in the jalapeno and chorizo and set aside
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Cook the macaroni to al dente according to package directions in salted water. Drain and add to the cheese sauce. Transfer to a 2-qt baking dish.
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In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the macaroni. Bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until bubbly. Garnish with sliced jalapenos. Yield: 6-8 servings.