Idaho® Potato Spanish Mac And Cheese

Idaho® Potato Spanish Mac And Cheese
4.5 (2 ratings)
This delicious mac and cheese dish with potatoes has a pinch of Spanish flavor which makes for a meal for everyone in the family will enjoy.This recipe is courtesy of Idaho Potatoes.
Prep Time
10
minutes
Cook Time
43
minutes
Servings
6
Idaho® Potato Spanish Mac and Cheese
Total time: 53 minutes
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 package of spanish chorizo, sliced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 red bell peppers, sliced
  • 2 idaho® potatoes, peeled and shredded
  • 2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoon smoked spanish paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 8 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 cup manchego cheese, shredded
  • 1 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup green olives, sliced
  • 1 pound medium shells
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the olive oil and allow to heat through.
  4. Carefully throw in the sliced chorizo (or sausage) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until crisped and slightly charred.
  5. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  6. Throw in the onions, garlic and red bell peppers.
  7. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on medium, until soft and caramelized.
  8. Peel the potatoes and shred with a box grater or food processor.
  9. Place in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse with cold water.
  10. Drain really well, squeezing the potatoes to get most of the moisture out.
  11. You want them really dry.
  12. Add the shredded potatoes to the skillet with the rest of the veggies.
  13. Cook for another 5 minutes until soft.
  14. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
  15. Stir to evenly combine.
  16. Remove from heat and set aside.
  17. In a large saucepot, melt the butter over medium heat.
  18. Once fully melted, add in the flour and stir.
  19. Cook for about 3 minutes (or until it turns a golden brown) to develop a nutty aroma.
  20. Slowly stream in the milk while continuously whisking.
  21. Stop whisking once the flour has completely dissolved into the milk.
  22. Allow to thicken, stirring every so often.
  23. It should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  24. Season with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder.
  25. Remove from heat and add in the shredded cheeses (reserving a little of each for topping later on).
  26. Stir with a wooden spoon until melted.
  27. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  28. You want the noodles to be a little undercooked as they’ll continue to cook when the mac and cheese bakes.
  29. Once the noodles are done, drain and return to pot.
  30. Stir in the cheese sauce, sautéed veggies and potatoes, chopped green olives and crisped chorizo (or sausage).
  31. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until evenly combined.
  32. Pour into a 9x13 inch-baking dish.
  33. Top with breadcrumbs and reserved cheese.
  34. Bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
  35. Serve and enjoy!