Mexican Mac and Cheese with Chorizo
This is a sponsored recipe by Real California Milk. All opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.
Mexican Mac and Cheese with Chorizo: A Holiday Showstopper Made with Real California Milk
This isn’t your average mac and cheese, it’s the kind that steals the show at your holiday table. Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy, this Mexican-inspired twist on a comfort classic is made for entertaining. Tender macaroni is coated in a velvety sauce of Real California Cheddar and Pepper Jack, layered with bold, savory chorizo, and finished with a golden, buttery panko and Cotija crust that crackles just right with every bite.
Every forkful is a celebration of warmth, nostalgia, and California craftsmanship, because every dairy ingredient in this recipe proudly bears the Real California Milk seal. That means it’s made from sustainably produced milk from family-owned California dairies, sourced locally, and crafted with care. You can truly taste the difference in every creamy, melty, flavor-packed bite.
As the holidays approach, this dish brings the best of two worlds together: the cozy indulgence of mac and cheese and the vibrant personality of Mexican flavors. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, attending a potluck, or simply gathering around the table with family, this recipe promises to be the most talked-about dish on the menu.
Related Recipe: Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes with Chorizo
Why Real California Milk Makes the Difference
The foundation of any great mac and cheese starts with quality dairy. Using Real California Milk products ensures the creamiest texture and the richest flavor. The Real California Whole Milk and Heavy Whipping Cream create a luxuriously smooth base that’s thick enough to cling to every piece of pasta.
The cheeses, sharp Real California Cheddar, melty Real California Pepper Jack, and salty Real California Cotija, bring a harmony of flavors and textures. Together, they build a sauce that’s luscious yet balanced, with a satisfying depth from the mix of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes. And let’s not forget the Real California Butter, which adds a golden richness to both the sauce and the topping, giving the dish its signature crisp-on-top, gooey-in-the-middle perfection.
When you use Real California Milk products, you’re not only elevating the flavor, you’re supporting family dairy farmers who pour generations of passion into producing milk and cheese that meet the highest standards of quality and sustainability. Just look for the seal when you shop.
Ingredient Variations
While this mac and cheese recipe is already the definition of comfort food, you can personalize it without replacing any of the Real California Milk products:
- Chorizo Choices: Try pork, beef, or even soy chorizo depending on your guests’ preferences. Each adds its own unique depth of flavor, but the combination with the creamy cheese sauce remains irresistible.
- Pasta Alternatives: Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi, shells, or rigatoni work beautifully to hold onto the sauce.
- Extra Heat: Add a diced roasted jalapeño or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce for an extra smoky-spicy kick.
- Herb Touch: Sprinkle a little chopped cilantro or green onions before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Crunch Factor: Mix in crushed cornflakes or tortilla chips with the panko topping for a playful twist on the crunchy crust.
These small tweaks let you tailor the dish to your own style while keeping the Real California Milk base as the creamy heart of the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and this Mexican Mac and Cheese with Chorizo deserves a spot right next to the turkey. Its smoky, cheesy layers make it a standout side dish that complements roasted meats, turkey, or ham perfectly.
Here are a few serving ideas:
- As a Thanksgiving Side: Add this dish to your holiday spread to surprise guests with something new and indulgent alongside traditional favorites.
- Potluck Star: Bake it in a cast-iron skillet or deep casserole for easy transport and an impressive presentation.
- Main Course Magic: Serve it as the centerpiece of a cozy dinner with a side salad of crisp greens tossed in lime vinaigrette.
- Festive Touch: Garnish with a sprinkle of Cotija, a few cilantro leaves, and a light dusting of smoked paprika just before serving to make it photo-worthy and festive.
This mac and cheese isn’t just comfort food, it’s conversation food. Expect guests to ask for seconds, and probably for the recipe too.
Storage Suggestions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store beautifully:
- Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.
- Freeze: Portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Refresh: To revive the creaminess, add a splash of Real California Milk before reheating to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Yes! Assemble the mac and cheese (without baking) up to one day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.
If reheating leftovers, cover loosely with foil for most of the baking time, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes so the panko topping re-crisps.
Absolutely. Simply use soy chorizo instead of meat-based chorizo. The flavor remains just as bold and satisfying, thanks to the Real California cheeses.
Bake it in two medium-sized dishes instead of one large one. This makes it easier to transport, reheat, and serve at parties or potlucks, and ensures everyone gets some of that irresistible crust.
Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving feast or the dish that gets requested year after year, this Mexican Mac and Cheese with Chorizo made with Real California Milk is guaranteed to bring comfort, joy, and a touch of California sunshine to your holiday table.
Look for the Real California Milk seal when you shop, and bring home the taste of quality, family tradition, and pure, creamy goodness.
Print
Mexican Mac and Cheese with Chorizo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: serves 12 1x
Description
This isn’t your average mac and cheese, it’s the kind that steals the show at your holiday table. Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy, this Mexican-inspired twist on a classic comfort dish is made for entertaining. The tender macaroni is coated in a velvety blend of Real California Cheddar and Pepper Jack, layered with flavorful chorizo, and topped with a golden crust of buttery panko and crumbled Cotija.
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons Real California Unsalted Butter, divided
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups Real California Whole Milk
- 1 cup Real California Heavy Whipping Cream
- 4 cups shredded Real California Cheddar, divided
- 2 cups shredded Real California Pepper Jack
- 1 (9 ounce) beef, pork or soy Mexican chorizo, cooked
- 1 (16 ounce) package macaroni pasta, cooked, drained and cooled
- ¼ cup melted Real California Milk Salted Butter
- 1 ½ cups panko or breadcrumbs
- ½ cup crumbled Real California Cotija
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 4-quart baking dish with 1 tablespoon butter.
- Heat remaining unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour. Continue whisking until golden brown; about 1 minute.
- Whisk in milk and cream until smooth and bubbles begin to appear; about 2 minutes.
- Add 2 cups cheddar and pepper jack. Continue whisking until smooth and thick.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cooked chorizo and stir until completely incorporated.
- Add cooked pasta and gently stir until coated with cheese sauce. Remove from heat.
- Pour half of the mac and cheese into prepared baking dish. Add a layer of remaining cheddar cheese then add another layer of remaining mac and cheese. Set aside.
- Combine melted butter, panko, cotija and paprika in medium bowl. Stir until mixed well.
- Spoon panko mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve.
