This macaroni and cheese recipe is one of the best things to put in your mouth when the weather outside is frightful. So before we get geared up for grilling season, which is March through December down here in Florida, we are going to serve up more comfort food to warm your tummies. Think about it, gourmet macaroni and cheese with a delicious Mexican chicken soup (recipe found here) and fresh baked jalapeño cornbread with sweet butter spread.
This recipe calls for one of the so called ”mother sauces” of French cooking, the velouté (vuh-loo-TAY). The chicken velouté sauce recipe makes more than you will need for the mac & cheese but freeze the remaining portion to add to other sauces and soups.
Oh and buy good quality cheeses! Don’t skimp or your results will be oh so average.
INGREDIENTS:
For the chicken velouté
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter
- 1 cup flour
- 8 cup chicken stock, kicked up with 2 dissolved chicken bullion cubes or 2 tablespoons chicken base
- salt
- white pepper
For the macaroni and cheese
- 2 lbs penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken velouté
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 brine from pickle jalapeños
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 1 cup grated mozzarella
- 1 cup grated white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup grated Swiss cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- salt
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
PREPARATION:
For the chicken velouté
In a large heavy bottomed pot, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour a little bit at a time while stirring with a whisk or wooden spoon. Make sure the chicken stock mixture is at room temperature and slowly add to the pot while stirring. Bring to a slow simmer and cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, and skimming off any foam. Season with salt and white pepper and pass through a strainer to remove any lumps.
For the macaroni and cheese
1. Preheat oven to 425ºF. Boil the pasta in salted water according to the instructions on the packaging to desired doness. Al dente maybe?
2. Place the velouté in a large saucepan and add the cream and brine. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the jalapeños and cheeses and whisk until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour into an oiled 4 quart casserole, top with the bread crumbs and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Serves plenty
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@ChiliCheeseFry Didn’t have the jalapenos on hand. First ‘mac’ recipe worth repeating. Definitely a keeper.
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I’ve been using this recipe for years, it was in a magazine. I’m going to try to make it in a crockpot for a potluck.
RT @ChiliCheeseFry: RT @ChiliCheeseFry Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Jalapeno Recipe | Spicy Recipes http://chilicheesefries.net/baked-macaro...
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@ChiliCheeseFry Love that mac and cheese recipe. That is going to be a must try for me. Thanks for sharing.
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RT @ChiliCheeseFry: RT @ChiliCheeseFry Baked Macaroni & Cheese with Jalapeno Recipe | Spicy Recipes http://chilicheesefries.net/baked-macaro...
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@ChiliCheeseFry making Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Spicy Banana Sauce tonight! http://chilicheesefries.net/grilled-mahi...
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this sounds amazing! thank you for the recipe, can’t wait to try this with some homemade cornbread
Ooh, corn bread!
This sounds fantastic! One question though, what are some other ways to use the left over chicken velouté?
Velouté is one of the four mother sauces in French cooking. It is used primarily as a base to make other more complex sauces.
Many soup recipes call for it.
This, by far, is the best mac and cheese I have ever had!! It was a big hit for the Mother’s Day dinner. Thanks hun! ;D
Thanks babe! The recipe was a little involved but well worth it. It made tons and we could have easily cut this in half.
Man oh man! I tried this and it was completely awesome! The best macaroni and cheese recipe I have ever had. Thanks Chili!
I think I could eat this everyday for the rest of my life!!!!
Great recipe. Cook the macaroni past the al dente stage until tender. Undercooked pasta will absorb liquid (sauce) while baking, creating a dry texture and less flavor.
Very good point Chuck!
Looks great! There’s nothing better than something cheesy & spicy
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This looks awesome. I’ve been looking for something new in terms of mac and cheese recipes, this might be just what I was looking for. I would never have thought of the jalapenos, or the whipping cream.
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Thanks Baked!