Get ready to spice up your comfort food game with this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese recipe! It's a fun, flavorful twist on a classic, with a homemade sofrito that packs in the bold, zesty flavors of peppers, garlic, and cilantro. The creamy, dairy-free cheese sauce made with Follow Your Heart American Slices will have everyone coming back for seconds. And to top it off? Crunchy crushed plantain chips and fresh cilantro take this mac and cheese to the next level. It’s cheesy, crispy, and absolutely delicious—perfect for any occasion!

If you love this recipe, you may also like my Mac and Cheese Stuffed Shells and Haitian Mac and Cheese!

COURSE: Main

CUISINE: Puerto Rican, Comfort Food, Soul Food

NUTRITIONAL FACTS: (Per 2 Cups)

Calories 387
Protein 5g
Dietary Fiber 6g

Why You Will Love This Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese:

You’ll love this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese recipe because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a bold, flavorful twist! The homemade sofrito adds a burst of zesty, savory flavors, while the Follow Your Heart cheese melts into a velvety sauce that coats every noodle. Topped with crunchy plantain chips and fresh cilantro, it’s a fun, unique take on a classic comfort dish that’s both satisfying and exciting. Whether you're vegan or not, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit!

About the Ingredients:

The ingredients in this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese bring all the fun and flavor to the table! From the zesty sofrito made with fresh peppers, garlic, and cilantro, to the creamy coconut milk and Follow Your Heart cheese slices, each ingredient adds a unique twist to this cheesy classic. With smoky paprika, crunchy plantain chips, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to finish it off, every bite is packed with bold, delicious flavors that will keep you coming back for more!

Diced Tomatoes

Diced tomatoes bring a juicy, tangy sweetness to this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, perfectly balancing the creamy and savory elements of the dish. They add a fresh burst of flavor that complements the rich sofrito and cheesy sauce.

Plus, tomatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, and they're rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which supports heart health and boosts your immune system.

Follow Your Heart American Cheese Slices

Follow Your Heart American Cheese Slices add the perfect creamy, melty goodness to this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, making it extra rich and indulgent without any dairy. These slices melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that coats every noodle with cheesy delight.

They’re a great plant-based option, offering a delicious dairy-free alternative that’s lower in cholesterol and saturated fats, making this comfort dish a little healthier while still delivering on flavor!

Cooked Pasta Noodles

Cooked pasta noodles are the heart of this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness of the sauce. They provide the perfect texture and base to hold the bold flavors from the sofrito and spices.

Pasta is a great source of energy-rich carbohydrates, helping to fuel your day and keep you feeling satisfied. When enjoyed in moderation, it’s a comforting and versatile addition to any meal!

Crushed Plantain Chips

Crushed plantain chips add a delightful crunch and a hint of tropical flavor to this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, perfectly balancing the creamy texture of the dish. Their crispy texture makes every bite extra fun, while their slightly sweet and salty taste pairs wonderfully with the savory cheese sauce.

Additionally, plantains are a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins A and C, making this tasty topping a healthier, nutrient-packed alternative to traditional breadcrumbs!

Red Bell Pepper

Red bell peppers add a vibrant color and a sweet, mild flavor to the sofrito in this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, perfectly balancing the savory spices. They sauté beautifully with the onions and garlic, giving the dish a fresh, flavorful base.

Red bell peppers are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, making them great for boosting your immune system and supporting healthy skin while adding a delicious crunch to the recipe!

Cilantro

Cilantro adds a fresh, vibrant flavor to this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese, perfectly balancing out the rich, cheesy sauce with its zesty, herbaceous taste. It’s used in both the sofrito and as a garnish, giving the dish a pop of color and a refreshing finish.

Not only does cilantro enhance the flavor, but it’s also packed with antioxidants and can help support digestion, making it a tasty and nutritious addition to this recipe!

Questions and Tips:

What equipment can I make this recipe in?

You don’t need much to whip up this delicious Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese! All you need is a large pot for the creamy cheese sauce, a pan for sautéing that flavorful sofrito, a food processor to blend everything together, and a baking dish to pop it in the oven for that crispy, cheesy finish. Simple, easy, and ready to create magic in your kitchen!

Are the extra toppings necessary?

The extra toppings in this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese aren’t strictly necessary, but they definitely add that extra pop of flavor and crunch that makes this dish truly special! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can switch things up with some sliced jalapeños for a kick, a sprinkle of potato chips for a bit of extra crunch, or even a drizzle of spicy ranch sauce for a zesty finish. Whatever you choose, these fun toppings will take your mac and cheese experience to the next level!

What else can I serve with this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese?

Pair this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese with a bright, crunchy salad or some fresh, sautéed veggies for a well-rounded meal that’ll make your taste buds sing! You could also serve it alongside some fresh avocado slices or tomato salad to keep the fun flavors going. For a little extra kick, add a side of black beans or a tangy mango salsa. Whatever you choose, this mac and cheese is versatile enough to shine with any tasty accompaniment!

How long does this recipe last?

This Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese will last for about 4-7 days in the fridge, so you can enjoy those tasty leftovers for a few meals! Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it even longer, you can freeze it for up to 1-2 months—just reheat it in the oven to get that cheesy, crispy top back! It’s perfect for meal prep or for making ahead and enjoying later.

Will non-vegans like this?

Of course! Non-vegans will adore this Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese just as much! The creamy, cheesy goodness of Follow Your Heart American Slices and the zesty, flavorful sofrito create a dish that’s irresistibly delicious. With crunchy plantain chips on top and a burst of fresh cilantro, this mac and cheese is a fun, exciting twist on a classic that will have everyone at the table raving about the flavors, whether they’re vegan or not!

Puerto Rican Mac and Cheese