Creamy Southwest Mac N Cheese Food

SOUTHWEST MAC & CHEESE WITH OPTIONAL CHICKEN

Steps:

• Boil the pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking, and return to the pan you boiled it in. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Set out six individual, oven-safe ramekins or gratin dishes for individual servings, two 5"x8" baking dishes if you're cooking up one dish with meat and one without, or an 8"x8"/two-quart baking dish if cooking it all in one big batch.
• In a medium bowl, toss together the cheddar, monterey jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
• Over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, salt, dry mustard, chili powder, pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika. Stir constantly over medium heat for about three minutes.
• Slowly whisk in the milk. Continuing over medium heat, whisk frequently for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens (as the sauce gets thicker, I recommend going from frequent stirs to constant stirs to help avoid burning).
• Remove from heat, and stir in 2 cups of the cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then add the green chilies and corn. Stir until combined. Select your version from the options below to continue.

CREAMY SOUTHWEST MAC 'N CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F.
• Melt butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Add onions, poblano chiles, jalapeño peppers and chili powder; mix well. Cook 6 min. or until onions are crisp-tender, stirring frequently.
• Add milk and 2/3 of the VELVEETA; cook 3 to 5 min. or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni and remaining VELVEETA.
• Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray. Toss shredded cheese with crushed chips; sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
• Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

SUNNY'S CREAMY 5-CHEESE MAC 'N' CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a deep 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
• Make the sauce. In a large bowl, mix the ingredients in order, combining completely between additions. Start by adding the flour, paprika, ground mustard, garlic, scallions, hot sauce, cream cheese, a pinch of salt and more grinds of black pepper than normal. Mix this until combined completely. In a liquid measure, mix the heavy cream and pasta water together and add slowly to the bowl while whisking. Add the Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses.
• Bake. Add the pasta to the bowl of liquid and stir until the liquid seeps into the elbows and everything is distributed evenly. Pour into the prepared dish. Level with the back of your spoon. Toss together the Cheddar and mozzarella in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

SOUTHWEST MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients except cheese in 12-inch nonstick skillet. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; reduce heat.
• Cover and simmer 10 to 14 minutes, stirring frequently, until macaroni is tender. Stir in cheese until melted.

SOUTHWESTERN MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package for al dente pasta. Rinse under cold water; drain well
• Melt butter in same saucepan on medium heat. Sprinkle with flour and spices. Cook and stir 2 minute or until well blended. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Stirring constantly, cook 3 minutes or until sauce starts to thicken. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth. Remove from heat. Add pasta, tomatoes and chiles; toss gently to coat. Pour into greased 13x9-inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko evenly over top
• Bake 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let stand 5 minutes before serving

SOUTHERN MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Preheat oven to 350. Butter four 10-ounce ramekins. Cook pasta 3 minutes short of al dente; drain.
• In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cheddar, eggs, half-and-half, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add pasta, and stir to combine; divide among ramekins.
• In a food processor, pulse bread and melted butter until coarse crumbs form; season with salt and pepper. Dividing evenly, top pasta mixture with 1/2 cup cheddar, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Place ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until mac and cheese is golden and bubbling, about 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

SOUTHWESTERN SKILLET MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain and keep warm.
• Spray a large nonstick skillet with Pam.
• Add the turkey and cook until no longer pink, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up the meat.
• Stir in the onion, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and salt.
• Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender, about 3 minutes.
• Add the tomatoes, tomato sauce, chiles, and water; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes.
• Add the macaroni and cheese, stirring to combine.

MILD AND CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Cook macaroni and drain.
• Melt butter in pan.
• Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper and flour until smooth, making a light roux.
• Gradually stir in milk.
• Return to heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups cheese.
• Add macaroni.
• Pour into 1 1/2 quart casserole.
• Arrange tomato slices on top, and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.