Description
Cajun Mac Cheese Andouille Sausage is a delicious and hearty pasta dish that combines creamy cheese sauce with flavorful Andouille sausage and a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Scale
- 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- 300 g (10 oz) Andouille sausage, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 720 ml (3 cups) whole milk
- 200 g (7 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 100 g (3.5 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 60 g (2 oz) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 60 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 30 g (1/4 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish (about 2 liters or 2 quarts).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced Andouille sausage. Cook for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to form a roux (do not let it brown).
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked Gouda cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add cooked macaroni and Andouille sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning according to your spice preference.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg