
Green Chile Mac and Cheese is a comforting, Southwestern-inspired twist on classic macaroni and cheese. It typically combines elbow pasta with a creamy cheese sauce, roasted green chiles (like Hatch chiles), and often includes ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices. The dish has roots in New Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, where the addition of green chiles adds a signature mild heat and tangy flavor.
This dish is generally high in carbohydrates from the pasta and fat from the cheese and any added butter or cream, with a moderate amount of protein from the dairy. A typical serving can range from 400 to 600 calories, providing calcium and some vitamin C from the chiles, but it's best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence.
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbs | 45 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Calcium | 300 mg |
| Iron | 2.5 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin A | 150 mcg RAE |
| Vitamin C | 10 mg |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.0 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
Culturally, it reflects the fusion of American comfort food with the bold, earthy flavors of the Southwest, particularly celebrated during Hatch chile season in New Mexico. Nutritionally, the green chiles add a boost of antioxidants and capsaicin, which may offer metabolism and anti-inflammatory benefits, making it a flavorful way to incorporate some vegetables into a cheesy favorite.
AI estimate may be inaccurate · Terms