Dinner

Queso Mac & Cheese with Chipotle and Avocado Recipe

ByElara Stone February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

Introduction

Queso Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic macaroni and cheese, infused with smoky chipotle and topped with fresh avocado, pickled jalapeños, and cilantro. This comforting dish brings bold flavors and a velvety texture perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a creamy orange mac and cheese dish in a white baking pan with black speckles. The dish has one main layer consisting of elbow macaroni covered in smooth, melted cheese sauce with a lightly browned surface. On top, there are several slices of fresh green avocado arranged in a scattered pattern along with light green jalapeño rings and small, bright green cilantro leaves sprinkled evenly. A silver spoon is scooping the mac and cheese from the bottom right corner, revealing the thickness of the creamy cheese sauce beneath the top layer. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for pan
Kosher salt
1 pound cavatappi, elbow, or other short, tube-shaped pasta
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 canned chipotle chile, finely chopped (optional), plus 2 to 4 ounces adobo sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
12 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, coarsely grated
Sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a 13″ x 9″ baking pan or two 8″ x 5″ casserole dishes with butter.
Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, until slightly firmer than al dente—about 2 minutes less than package directions. Reserve 4 cups of pasta water before draining. If needed, add water or milk to reach 4 cups liquid.
Step 3: In the same pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the butter foams and turns golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in the reserved pasta water to prevent lumps. Add the cream cheese and whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Stir in the chopped chipotle chile (if using), adobo sauce, and cumin. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly. Gradually add the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, about 1/2 cup at a time, whisking until each addition melts smoothly before adding more. Add the pasta, season again with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan.
Step 5: Place the pan on a foil-lined baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly, about 10 minutes more. Top with sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, omit the chipotle chile and reduce or skip the adobo sauce.
Use gluten-free flour and pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Add cooked bacon or chorizo for extra smoky flavor.
Try topping with crushed tortilla chips for added crunch.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl filled with creamy orange mac and cheese made with curly pasta, topped with two bright green avocado slices laid on top, scattered fresh cilantro leaves, and a few sliced green jalapeños mixed in. A silver fork rests on the right side of the bowl, partially inserted into the pasta. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Queso Mac & Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if baking from cold.