Spicy Harmony: Pepper Jack & Black Bean Mac & Cheese Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this spicy pepper jack and black bean mac & cheese that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Creamy, zesty, and packed with bold flavors, this dish breaks away from traditional mac and cheese recipes.

The combination of melted pepper jack cheese and hearty black beans creates a delightful twist on a classic favorite.

Rich, cheesy, and surprisingly simple to prepare, this mac and cheese brings a southwestern kick to your dinner table.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy pasta and spicy cheese with the added texture of black beans.

The recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Let’s find out this delicious creation and let your taste buds dance with excitement.

Equipment for Making Black Bean Mac & Cheese

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating a spacious cooking environment.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating the creamy cheese sauce with smooth consistency.
• Whisk: Helps blend flour, milk, and cheese sauce without lumps.
• Casserole Dish (10-inch round or 9×13-inch): Needed for baking the mac and cheese to golden perfection.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for the best flavor.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and combining ingredients gently.

Cooking Guide for Pepper Jack Mac & Cheese

• Pasta Preparation

Boil pasta in salted water until soft. Drain and coat with butter to keep noodles from sticking together.

• Oven Warmup

Heat oven to a toasty 400°F and grease a baking dish generously.

• Creamy Sauce Base

Melt butter in a large pan, then sprinkle in flour and cook until slightly golden.

• Milk Magic

Slowly pour milk into the butter mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to bubble.

• Cheese Fusion

Mix in pepper jack and cheddar cheeses until they create a silky, rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

• Bean and Pasta Blend

Gently stir black beans into the cheesy sauce, then fold in the cooked pasta until everything is evenly coated.

• Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle reserved cheese and crushed tortilla chips over the mac and cheese. Add small butter dots for extra richness.

• Baking Finale

Bake uncovered until the top turns golden and the edges start bubbling. Let the dish rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips to Customize Black Bean Mac & Cheese

• Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for an extra flavor punch.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or monterey jack to create your unique mac and cheese profile.
• Try crushed tortilla chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers instead of traditional chip topping for added texture and crunch.
• Incorporate roasted corn, diced bell peppers, or chopped spinach to add more nutrition and vibrant colors to the dish.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Mac & Cheese

• Fiesta Flavor Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro and sliced jalapeños on top for a zesty Mexican-inspired kick that elevates the mac and cheese with bright, spicy notes.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside grilled chicken, crispy bacon bits, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this dish into a hearty main course that satisfies bigger appetites.
• Crispy Crunch Companion: Pair with a simple green salad topped with avocado slices and a tangy lime vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
• Salsa Side Splash: Add a small bowl of fresh pico de gallo or chunky salsa on the side, allowing diners to customize their plate with extra tomato and herb flavors that complement the pepper jack cheese.

Storing Mac & Cheese the Smart Way

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days when refrigerated at 40°F or below.
• Quick Reheating Trick: Revive cold mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble entire dish ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked for 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from cold state, adding 10-15 extra minutes to cooking time.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 385 kcal

Servings: 10

Ingredients for Pepper Jack and Black Bean Mac & Cheese

• Elbows: Classic curved pasta shape that cradles creamy sauce perfectly, choose high-quality durum wheat variety for best texture.

• Butter: Rich, creamy foundation for roux, select unsalted butter for precise flavor control.
• Flour: Thickening agent that creates smooth, velvety sauce texture, use all-purpose white flour.
• Milk: Provides silky base for cheese sauce, whole milk recommended for maximum richness.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Delivers zesty, spicy kick with smooth melting properties, select freshly shredded for best flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds robust, tangy depth, choose block cheese and grate yourself for superior melting.

• Dijon Mustard: Introduces subtle tang and helps emulsify cheese sauce, opt for smooth, high-quality brand.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced flavor, use freshly ground black pepper.
• Black Beans: Adds protein and earthy texture, rinse thoroughly to remove excess sodium.

• White Corn Tortilla Chips: Provides crispy contrast to creamy mac and cheese, crush into varied size pieces for interesting texture.

Creamy Pepper Jack And Black Bean Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

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Description

Creamy pepper jack and black bean mac & cheese delivers a spicy southwestern twist on classic comfort food. Hearty beans and zesty cheese combine for a quick, satisfying meal that delights home cooks seeking bold flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 14 oz (396 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsps (60 ml) butter
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 3 tbsps flour
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 handful white corn tortilla chips, crushed
• 1 pat butter, cut into small pieces

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Cook elbow pasta in salted water until al dente, drain completely, and toss with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
2. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and thoroughly grease a 10-inch round casserole or 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Roux Creation: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter and whisk in flour, cooking for 3 minutes to develop a rich, nutty base that will thicken the sauce.
4. Sauce Development: Gradually pour in milk and mustard, incrementally increasing heat to a gentle simmer while stirring consistently for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat and melt pepper jack and cheddar cheeses into the sauce, reserving ½ cup for topping. Season with salt and ground black pepper, stirring until the sauce is completely uniform and velvety.
6. Bean and Pasta Fusion: Gently fold drained black beans into the cheese sauce, then combine with prepared pasta, ensuring every noodle is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture.
7. Baking Preparation: Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with reserved cheese, crushed tortilla chips, and small butter dots for added texture and richness.
8. Final Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbly, creating a crispy, appetizing top layer.
9. Resting Period: Remove from oven and let stand for 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Strategy: Pre-cook pasta and cheese sauce up to 2 days in advance, refrigerate separately to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Cheese Melting Tip: Grate cheeses at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure silky smooth sauce consistency.
• Customize Heat Level: Swap pepper jack for jalapeño jack or add red pepper flakes to intensify spiciness according to personal preference.
• Bean Modification: Rinse canned black beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and eliminate excess starch, ensuring cleaner flavor integration.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 385
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg