I love macaroni & cheese, but have you ever tried it with salsa? OMG. I know some people like to add ketchup to their mac and cheese (not me though!) so it’s not really that much of a stretch to add a little salsa to your favourite recipe. This Salsa Macaroni & Cheese is made from scratch and is one of the most delicious mac and cheese recipes ever, in my humble opinion. It’s cheesy, creamy with a little bit of a kick. Everyone who tried it raved about it.
I also included some chopped green pepper to give it a little colour and crunch. If you aren’t a fan, just leave it out and it won’t make much of a difference.
This recipe sure beats the boxed stuff! Once you try it, you may never want to go back. It’s really not that much more difficult to make. Just a couple extra steps and you have a delicious homemade version to serve to your family.
Ahhh comfort food. I love it especially during this time of year when the days are shorter and colder. It fills your belly and warms your soul.
I also have a recipe for Mac and Cheese Cups if you are looking for a cute and tasty appetizer recipe.
You might also like Stovetop Mac and Cheese, Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese and Mom’s Macaroni. Make your own homemade salsa, too!
Do you like your Macaroni & Cheese with a twist or do your prefer the regular version with no extras?
Salsa Macaroni & Cheese
Classic mac and cheese with a Tex Mex twist! Spice levels can be controlled by using medium or hot salsa, which is a great compliment to the cheesy, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
- 3 cups macaroni noodles, uncooked
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for one minute. Gradually add in milk. Stir in salsa and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens. Remove from heat.
- Stir in 1 3/4 cup cheese and green pepper. Add macaroni and stir to combine.
- Pour mixture into casserole dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove cover and bake for 5 minutes. Serve with more salsa, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 bowlAmount Per Serving: Calories: 703Total Fat: 20.1gSaturated Fat: 10.9gTrans Fat: 0.4gUnsaturated Fat: 6.7gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 606.4mgCarbohydrates: 100.8gFiber: 4.5gSugar: 8.5gProtein: 28g
wendy hutton says
Ilove mac and cheese with salsa it gives it a nice kick, I also like adding beans(pork and beans) to my mac and cheese my son thinks I am crazy
Karly says
Help. I think I’ve just fallen in love with a blog post. As if I didn’t love mac and salsa enough on their own!? This looks absolutely incredible!
Barbara Montag says
This looks and sounds like a great mac n’ cheese recipe!
thank you
Alison's Allspice says
I have never thought to add salsa to mac and cheese! I usually add lots of black pepper, so I’m sure I will love this!
Sara @ Magical Mama Blog says
This sounds delicious!! My husband is going to get excited when he comes home tonight and smells this!
#artsyfartsy
Lori Morgan says
I found your site thru Dear Crissy’s and so glad I did! This looks so delicious!! I love that it has a spicy kick! I’d use red peppers cuz NY husband loves those. Can’t wait to try this!
Kay says
I love the idea of adding salsa. I can use this when my vegetarian daughter visits for something a little different.
Kristi says
I’ve never had it with salsa but I think I would love the flavour! Yum.
Megan says
This looks absolutely amazing!! What a genius idea – I would totally toss in a few black olives and top with cilantro! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! Pinning!