Zesty Macaroni And Cheese
A zesty, cheesy baked macaroni dish with Pepper Jack, Cheddar, and tomatoes, perfect for comforting family dinners or entertaining guests with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grate all cheeses from the blocks.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until soft, then drain and rinse with hot water.
- Pour the cooked macaroni into a large pan.
- Melt butter in the pan over medium heat.
- Gradually add the grated cheeses, stirring until all are melted.
- Pour in the milk while stirring continuously.
- Add the can of stewed tomatoes, seasoned salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Lightly sprinkle paprika and parsley flakes on top.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake the casserole for 30 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit more milk or using half-and-half instead. You can substitute the pepper Jack cheese with Monterey Jack for a milder flavor. If you want to add some heat, diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can enhance the zesty profile. Using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded will yield better melting results.
Serving Suggestions
This Zesty Macaroni and Cheese pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For added protein, serve alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. If you're hosting, consider making it part of a comfort food spread that includes dishes like Lizzie's Egg Cheese or Ma's Sugar Cookies for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Zesty Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 346 calories, with 13g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and calcium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 490mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of stewed tomatoes?
If you prefer not to use stewed tomatoes, you can substitute with diced tomatoes or even a small jar of salsa for an extra kick. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid to maintain the right consistency.
Can I freeze the leftover mac and cheese?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven or microwave as needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).