• Travel & Adventure
  • Musings
  • About
    • Copyright
    • Disclosures
    • Resources for Food Bloggers
    • Giving
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

Claudia's Table

Eat and Live in Color.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Main
    • Beef & Pork
    • Poultry
    • Fish
    • Pasta
    • Vegetarian
    • Soups
    • Salads and Sides
    • 30 minute meals
    • Dressings and Sauces
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
    • Gluten Sensitive
    • Small bites
    • Cocktails and Beverages
    • Meal Prep Ideas
    • Pressure and Slow Cooker
    • Entertaining
    • One Ingredient – 3 Ways
    • Grilling
  • How to guides
  • Instagram

As seen on Instagram Entertaining Gluten Sensitive Main Pasta Recipe Index Vegetarian

Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Macaroni and cheese is really one the ultimate comfort foods. Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, spicy with a just enough smokiness and heat. Topped off with some buttered, Ancho Chile covered Panko and it becomes a memorable dish. There are so many ways of making Macaroni and Cheese. We love Chipotles in Adobo. You will see them in many of my recipes. I love the smoky flavor they impart without the sharp bite of heat. The heat is just right.

scoop of spicy chipotle Macaroni and Cheese

I created this recipe with cheeses that are easily found in most grocery stores. I’m also making suggestions to up your Mac and cheese game at the bottom of the post.

How to Make Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese

Most macaroni and cheese starts with a roux. If this is your first time making roux, it’s simply equal parts butter and flour. When finished, this helps to bind cheeses into a creamy sauce that will cling to the macaroni. I admit, this is one of those dishes that has taken much practice where now I’m at a place where it’s second nature. When we were kids, my Mom would make a Mexican version that was a stovetop Mac and cheese. It was macaroni, jack cheese with tomato sauce with minced onions. It had a major cheese pull action because of the jack cheese. She doesn’t make it anymore…I need to ask her about this, as she only made it when were we kids and not later when we were older. She now makes this type of Macaroni and cheese with a roux based sauce.

So many cheeses, so little time

A note about the cheeses used: If you can shred your cheese before making this dish, this is ideal. You can certainly used prepackaged shredded cheese, but freshly shredded cheese has more flavor which will be imparted into the Mac and cheese.

Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese – for complete directions, see below for recipe card.

  1. How to make the roux

    Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
    Once the butter is melted, add flour and whisk until fully combined.
    Continue to whisk roux for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
    Add milk gradually and continue to whisk until the flour is completely incorporated.
    Cook the roux for about 3 minutes. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Continue to whisk so it doesn’t burn. There should be bubbles on the surface and it should be thickened.

  2. Cheese sauce

    Add Colby Jack cheese, extra sharp cheddar and Mozzarella.
    Continue to whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is fully combined. This takes about 5 minutes.
    Add minced Chipotle peppers and stir until fully combined.

  3. Assembling the casserole for baking

    Add cooked, well drained macaroni to a buttered, oven safe casserole dish and add cheese sauce.
    Stir gently until all the macaroni is covered. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese and then buttered Ancho Chile Panko.
    Bake for 20-25 minutes.

roux in skillet
Roux
shredded cheese in roux
Add cheeses to roux
chipotle added to cheese sauce
Adding chipotle to cheese sauce
chipotle cheese sauce
Stir until combined
chipotle cheddar sauce
One thoroughly stirred
chipotle cheddar sauce
add to pasta and bake!

How to Step up this Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and cheese recipe

We love this recipe for it’s flavor, texture and zest. But you can definitely step this recipe up into super star hero status. How you ask? You can substitute one cup of the Colby Jack for a smoked cheese. My local Sprouts has an Apple Smoked Gruyere that is excellent in this Mac and Cheese. Another way to step this up? Top with some great protein like Pulled Pork or sautéed shrimp. The ultimate topping? Lobster! Also, you don’t have to bake this, you can omit the topping and serve it ultra creamy.

closeup of chipotle in adobo macaroni and cheese

Inspired by this recipe? Make sure to mention us or tag us on Instagram. All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

side view of chipotle in adobo macaroni and cheese

Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese

Ana | Claudia’s Table
Chipotle in Adobo Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, spicy with a just enough smokiness and heat. Topped off with some Ancho Chile covered Panko and it becomes a memorable dish.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Barbeque, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 530 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet or 3 qt sauce pan
  • oven safe casserole dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta Cavatappi or elbow
  • 2 cups Colby Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Extra sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 3-4 whole Chipotles in Adobo finely chopped with liquid
  • 1/2 cup Panko Japanese breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan grated
  • 3 tbsp flour all purpose
  • 4 tbsp butter 3 tbsp for roux + 1 tbsp for panko
  • 1/2 tsp Ancho chile powder
  • 2 3/4 cup milk whole, cold
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  • Cook macaroni/pasta to package directions. Drain well.
  • Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add flour and whisk until fully combined.Continue to whisk roux for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  • Add cold milk gradually and continue to whisk. Add 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Cook the roux for about 3 minutes. Continue to whisk so it doesn't burn. There should be bubbles on the surface and it should be thickened.
  • Add cheese and stir until cheese is fully melted. I like to continue to stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce fully combined and a bit thicker in consistency.
  • Place well drained, cooked macaroni/pasta in an buttered oven safe casserole dish and then add cheese sauce.
  • Stir gently until the macaroni/pasta is fully covered in cheese sauce.
  • Add parmesan cheese on top.
  • Melt 1 tbsp of butter in a small pan. Once melted, add panko and stir until completely covered. Sprinkle Ancho Chile powder and mix well.
  • Add buttered Ancho chile Panko breadcrumbs to the top of the casserole.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Notes

Recipe adapted from Better Homes and Gardens 17th edition New Cook Book.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 530kcal

Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Keyword baked macaroni and cheese, chipotle, macaroni and cheese

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

Share the LoveMention @claudiastable_la or tag #claudiastable_la!

Frequently Asked Questions

What other cheeses can I use?

You can swap Mozzarella and Colby Jack for straight cheddar cheese, however, I suggest using at least one cup of extra sharp cheddar or smoked cheddar or Gruyere.

Can I omit the Ancho Chile?

Yes, just follow the recipe without adding the powdered Chile powder.

Can I use gluten free pasta?

Yes. Typically gluten free pasta comes in 12oz packages. You can make the same amount of cheese sauce for gluten free pasta. Gluten free versions tend to absorb liquid so the consistency will be the same as using 16oz of regular pasta, especially after baking it.

What if I can’t find Chipotle in adobo?

You can use chipotle pepper powder. For each whole chipotle en adobo the equivalent powder is 1 tsp. But, I highly recommend the canned Chipotles in Adobo as suggested in the recipe. The taste of the canned vs powder is superior for this recipe.

What can I do with the leftover Chipotles?

I freeze the chiles, however, fair warning because they intensify in heat. They can get very hot.
They can also keep in the fridge for 1-2 months in a tightly sealed container. I prefer glass to store them in. Keeping them in fridge does not seem to intensify the heat.
Check out our post on How to store canned leftovers.

You Might Also Like...

  • Mexican Salpicón de Res
    Mexican Salpicón de Res
  • Grilled Steak with Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
    Grilled Steak with Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
  • Rich and Spicy Avocado Dressing
    Rich and Spicy Avocado Dressing
  • Roasted Garlic and Shrimp Spaghetti
    Roasted Garlic and Shrimp Spaghetti
  • Chicken Schnitzel with Autumn Kale Salad
    Chicken Schnitzel with Autumn Kale Salad
  • Chipotle Agave Dressing
    Chipotle Agave Dressing

chat bubble
Leave a Comment

Subscribe

Get the latest delicious goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « White Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Next Post: Roasted Vegetable Quinoa with Feta »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search

I’m so glad you’re here!

I'm so happy to share what's on our table most days. My California inspired food recipes are simple and full of fresh flavor. It is my hope that you will find something new to try and share with your family and friends. Enjoy! Read More…

Don’t a miss a recipe!

Get every new recipe straight to your inbox.

How to guides – tips and tricks

ribs cooked on bbq on platter with dark background

One Ingredient – 3 Ways

lemons on cutting board with knife and cut in half

Fast and Slow

spiced sweet potato and spinach soup topped with yogurt and served with bread.

Spiced Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup

This creamy, vegetable filled Spiced Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup celebrates the wonderful Moroccan ... continue reading...

platter of Salpicon de Res with avocado radishes and romaine

Mexican Salpicón de Res

Mexican Shredded Beef Salad Estilo Norteño-Northern Style Mexican Salpicón de Res is a ... continue reading...

Fast and Easy Beef Chili horizontal

Fast and Easy Beef Chili

Sometimes comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. This Fast and Easy Beef Chili is one of those ... continue reading...

Featured Categories

  • Beef & Pork
  • Poultry
  • Fish
  • Pasta
  • Vegetarian
  • Salads & Sides
  • Dressings & Sauces
  • Breakfast
  • Grilling
  • Cocktails & Beverages

Copyright

copyscape banner

Don't miss a bite! Join us friends!

Disclosures

Footer

Trending

chinese chicken salad ingredients in black bowl with salad dressing being poured onto

Classic Chinese Chicken Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing

white balsamic honey mustard dressing combined with whisk

White Balsamic Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

spiced sweet potato and spinach soup topped with yogurt and served with bread.

Spiced Sweet Potato and Spinach Soup

roasted carrot and sweet potato soup with spoon

Roasted Carrot and Sweet Potato Soup

steak in cast iron skillet with compound butter

Charred Scallion Compound Butter

As seen on

as seen on banner

Copyright © 2023 · Claudia's Table

Manage Cookie Consent
We use cookies to optimize our website and our service to you.
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}