Description
Indulge in the spicy and creamy goodness of Cajun Mac and Cheese. This Southern comfort food combines the rich flavors of cheeses, Cajun seasoning, and optional andouille sausage for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese:
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced and browned (optional)
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, cook onion, bell pepper, and garlic with Cajun seasoning.
- Make the cheese sauce: Create a roux with flour, then add milk and cream. Melt in cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
- Combine and bake: Mix the cooked macaroni and optional sausage with the cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish, top with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, then broil until golden.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning based on your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
