Cajun Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on classic macaroni and cheese. This recipe marries bold Cajun flavors for a kicked-up mac and cheese.
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Why you'll love this recipe
- Baked Cajun Mac and Cheese is a comforting twist on a classic for an easy weeknight dinner.
- Spice lovers enjoy this tasty Mac and Cheese with Cajun flavors.
- Smoked Andouille sausage adds a unique flavor to this macaroni and cheese.
Ingredient List
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- elbow pasta
- olive oil
- andouille sausage
- yellow onion
- green bell pepper
- red bell pepper
- unsalted butter
- all-purpose flour
- whole milk
- Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought
- garlic powder
- salt
- sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Jack cheese, shredded
Equipment
Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe. The full instructions are below in the recipe card.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9 x 13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- Saute sausage, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, cook until soft. Remove and set aside.
- To the skillet, add the butter and flour.
- Whisk in the milk.
- Stir in seasonings and cheese. Add the sausage, vegetables
- Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Top with additional cheese. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is browned slightly.
Serve and enjoy!
Eileen's Tips for Success
- Cook the pasta to al dente to prevent them from becoming mush in the oven.
- Make sure you allow the cheese sauce to simmer for two or more minutes until it thickens up and the cheese is completely melted.
- When making the roux for your cheese allow the flour to brown slightly to cook off the raw flour taste.
Variations
Do you want to change up this recipe? Here are some ways to change the flavor of this dish.
- Protein: Switch up the proteins in this spicy mac and cheese by using chicken or shrimp instead.
- Vegetables: Add your favorite veggies to this dish, for some variety zucchini or broccoli would work well.
Make ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - Store leftovers in the refrigerator in a covered airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer: It freezes great for up to three months in an airtight container.
Reheating: Microwave it for 30 seconds to one minute. Stir and then microwave another 30 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
- Oven Roasted Green Beans are a healthy and easy side dish that pairs perfectly with this creamy mac and cheese recipe.
- Apple Walnut Salad is a tangy side dish that the entire family will enjoy.
- Easy Grilled Asparagus is simple to make, and full of fresh flavor.
- Easy Tres Leche Cake is moist, sweet, and the perfect way to end a meal.
Similar Recipes
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a fall flavor twist on this classic recipe.
- Homemade Mac and Cheese is an old-fashioned recipe that will remind you of your childhood.
- One-Pot Chili Mac is an effortless dinner that your family will enjoy.
More Recipes to Enjoy
📖 Recipe
Cajun Macaroni and Cheese
Cajun Mac and Cheese is a spiced-up version of a traditional macaroni and cheese dish. This tasty recipe blend of baked macaroni in a rich, Cajun creamy sauce.
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Rate
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 835kcal
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Equipment Needed:
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Ingredients
- 16 ounce package elbow pasta
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (14) ounce package, andouille sausage cut in half, lengthwise, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 small yellow onion peeled and chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 small red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8) ounce block, shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 (8) ounce block, shredded jack cheese
- non-stick baking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a 9" x 13" casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the olive oil, sausage, onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper, cook for approximately 6 to 8 minutes or until the vegetables have begun to soften.
- Remove the sausage and vegetables from the skillet. Set aside.
- To the skillet, add the butter and heat until melted. Stir in the flour and whisk until bubbling.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until slightly thickened.
- Stir in the seasonings and the cheddar and jack cheese, whisk until all the cheese melts.
- Add back in the sausage and vegetables as well as the elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until combined.
- Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and top with additional cheese, if desired. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is browned slightly.
NOTES
Be sure to check Expert Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help make a delicious recipe.
Storage: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight covered container in the refrigerator for 3 days.
Recipes written for Everyday Eileen are for information purposes. Eileen Kelly is not a registered dietician or nutritionist. Any nutritional data we provide is an approximation. Actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
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Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 835kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1194mg | Potassium: 574mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1617IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 633mg | Iron: 2mg
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