Nacho Macaroni and Cheese

A Mexican-inspired twist on classic mac and cheese featuring salsa verde, fresh cilantro, and crunchy corn chips. This creamy, cheesy pasta dish combines sharp cheddar with southwestern flavors for a unique comfort food experience.

6 servings
33 min

Ingredients

  • 2 cups small elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup bottled thick and chunky salsa verde (medium heat)
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 teaspoons all purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 cup large corn chips

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Preheat oven to 425°F. Cook macaroni in large saucepan of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Drain.

    8 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, blend salsa and cilantro in processor. Toss 2 cups cheese and flour in medium bowl to coat.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Bring milk, cream, and cloves to simmer in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add cheese mixture. Whisk until sauce is smooth, about 1 minute. Mix in macaroni; season with pepper.

    10 min

  4. 4.

    Spread half of macaroni mixture in 11 x 7-inch baking dish. Drop half of salsa mixture over in dollops. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup cheese. Top with remaining macaroni mixture and salsa mixture. Sprinkle chips over. Top with 1/2 cup cheese. Bake until heated through, about 10 minutes.

    10 min

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