“Green Chile Mac and Cheese”

When I was a kid, Mac and Cheese was a family favorite; only from scratch, no box stuff. Mom always made it around the holidays like Thanksgiving and Easter. Over the years, I’ve come up with a few variations like Green Chile Mac and Cheese. I love Mac and Cheese.

Green Chile Mac and Cheese is based in a creamy, cheesy sauce of American and Cheddar cheeses. Toss in a can of diced green chiles and your favorite pasta shape. The green chiles are not spicey so this dish is kid friendly. This recipe would be good with diced ham added. Give it a try or let your own imagination run wild to create your own recipe.

Green Chile Mac and Cheese

Green Chile Mac and Cheese

2 cups dry elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions

3 T. butter

2 egg yolks

2 1/2 cups half and half

1 – 4 oz. can fire roasted, diced green chiles

1/2 pound deli American cheese, cubed

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

1/4 t. salt

1/2 t. pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, drain; pour into 2 quart baking dish and aside. Melt butter in a 2 quart saucepan over medium heat.

In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks and half and half until well combined. Stir in green chiles. Pour egg mixture into saucepan. Continuously stir over medium heat as mixture thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add in half of American cheese; stir until almost melted. Add the rest of American cheese. Stir in cheddar cheese, stirring until melted. Add in salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Sauce will be thick.

Pour cheese sauce over macaroni in baking dish and mix thoroughly. Place dish in oven; bake for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.