Salsa Macaroni and Cheese

Elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible Salsa Macaroni and Cheese recipe, a zesty twist on a classic favorite. This creamy, velvety mac and cheese combines tender macaroni with a rich cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack, perfectly balanced with your salsa of choice—mild, medium, or fiery hot. The addition of crushed tortilla chips on top lends a delightful crunch, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side. Whether you’re craving smoky paprika undertones or a cheesy Mexican-inspired flair, this quick and easy recipe delivers bold flavors the whole family will love.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups macaroni pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot, to taste)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika (optional)
• 0.5 cup tortilla chips (crushed, optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.

Step 3

Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 4

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses a handful at a time, ensuring each addition melts before adding the next.

Step 5

Once the cheese sauce is smooth, stir in the salsa. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding salt, black pepper, and paprika if desired.

Step 6

Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated evenly.

Step 7

Serve immediately or transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips over the top, and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1396.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3161.8

Total Fat 184.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 108.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3g
Cholesterol 507.9mg	0%
Sodium 4781.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 256.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.5g	0%
Total Sugars 41.7g
Protein 136.4g	0%

Vitamin D 286.7IU	0%
Calcium 3184.6mg	0%
Iron 7.9mg	0%
Potassium 2460.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.3%

Protein: 16.9%

Carbs: 31.8%