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Stovetop Avocado Mac and Cheese
4.3 from 66 votes

Stovetop Avocado Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Avocado Mac and Cheese blends creamy mashed avocado with a classic cheese sauce made from butter, flour, milk, and pepper jack cheese. Cooked elbow macaroni is coated first in a smooth avocado sauce flavored with garlic, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, then combined with the rich, melted cheese sauce. The lime juice prevents avocado browning and adds brightness, complementing the creamy texture and mild spice from the pepper jack. This macaroni dish offers a fresh spin on traditional comfort food with a silky, tangy finish.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Course: Side Dish, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces dry elbow macaroni
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 avocado peeled and pitted
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice fresh
  • 1/3 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups pepper jack cheese shredded
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • avocado for garnish, if desired, fresh chunks

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Salt the water and add in macaroni. Stir and cook until Al Dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, make the avocado sauce by placing the garlic, avocados, lime juice, cilantro, salt and pepper into a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
  3. To make the cheese sauce, place butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. When butter is melted, whisk in flour to create a paste. Whisk in milk until smooth. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sauce starts to thicken. Add in Pepper Jack cheese and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
  4. Place macaroni in a large bowl. Pour the avocado sauce over the macaroni and stir until well coated. Add the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh avocado chunks, if desired.
  5. Note-the lime juice keeps the avocado from browning. The mac and cheese is best eaten the first day, but it is still good the second day. The pasta may turn slightly brown, but not bad. If you want a milder flavor, you can use Monterey Jack or White Cheddar Cheese.