When it comes to dinner and meal ideas, pasta and noodles recipes always hold a special place. Among them, a spicy mac and cheese recipe with sausage is a true gem that can be a show - stopper for Christmas dinner or any other time of the year. This meal - in - one casserole combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the savory goodness of sausage, creating a dish that is both hearty and full of flavor.
Let's start with the ingredients. For the pasta, you'll need about 1 pound of elbow macaroni. Elbow macaroni is a classic choice for mac and cheese as it holds the cheese sauce well. As for the sausage, pick your favorite type. Spicy Italian sausage is a great option as it adds a kick of heat to the dish. You'll need around 1 pound of sausage, removed from its casing and crumbled.
To make the cheese sauce, you'll require a blend of cheeses. Start with 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Cheddar provides a sharp and rich flavor that is essential for a delicious mac and cheese. You can also add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese for its stretchy and gooey texture. Additionally, 1/2 cup of cream cheese will help to make the sauce extra creamy and smooth.
For the other ingredients, you'll need 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of all - purpose flour, 2 cups of milk, 1 small onion, finely chopped, 2 cloves of garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
Now, let's move on to the cooking process. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium - high heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook it until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they are softened and fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the flour and whisk it constantly for about 1 - 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a few minutes until it thickens. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni and the cooked sausage to the cheese sauce in the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season the mixture with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9x13 - inch baking dish. You can sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top if you like. Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This spicy mac and cheese with sausage is a perfect meal for a cold winter night or a festive Christmas dinner. It can be served on its own or with a side salad for a more balanced meal. The combination of the spicy sausage, creamy cheese sauce, and tender macaroni is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
So, the next time you're looking for a delicious dinner idea, give this spicy mac and cheese with sausage recipe a try. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and will leave everyone asking for seconds.
