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Homemade Roasted Corn & Poblano Mac and Cheese recipe photo

Roasted Corn & Poblano Mac and Cheese

This Roasted Corn & Poblano Mac and Cheese is SO DELICIOUS! Creamy, smoky, and cheesy with a crunchy breadcrumb topping—perfect for any cozy meal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and sautéing
  • 1 large poblano pepper diced, roasted
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or frozen, roasted
  • 3 cups milk whole milk preferred
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • chopped cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced poblano pepper and corn kernels. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In the same pot used for pasta, heat 3 cups milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni, roasted poblano, and corn to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat evenly.
  5. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are evenly coated.
  6. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Roast poblano and corn on an open flame or broiler for a deeper smoky flavor.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for varied flavor profiles.
  • Warm the milk before adding cheese to prevent clumping.
  • Add smoked paprika or parmesan to breadcrumbs for extra flavor in the topping.
  • Prepare components ahead and refrigerate; bake just before serving for convenience.