Easy Cajun Mac and Cheese
Satisfy your comfort food craving with my Delicious and Easy Cajun Mac and Cheese. This homemade mac and cheese features Cajun spices, smoked sausage, and a creamy pepper jack and cheddar cheese sauce the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 16-20 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz box elbow macaroni (or similar type pasta)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk (warmed in the microwave for 1-2 mins)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (I recommend this for a lower-sodium option)
- 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning (I love using this in combination with Cajun seasoning for added flavor and a medium level spice, but you can omit and double regular Cajun seasoning, if preferred)
- 1 red or green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small to medium yellow onion, diced
- 14 oz package Jalapeno and Cheddar Smoked Sausage or Cajun Andouille Sausage
- 8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 8 oz block pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded
- Fresh or dried chives for garnish, optional
Instructions
- First, prep your veggies and meat. Use a knife to dice a small to medium onion and a red or green bell pepper. Next, use a knife to dice the smoked sausage or andouille sausage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Next, shred your cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese with a box grater and set aside.
- Prepare your seasonings by combining garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl and stirring with a spoon until evenly combined.
-
Begin heating lightly salted water in a large pot over medium/high heat.
- In a large non-stick skillet, add a small amount of oil and add the diced pepper and onion to the pan. Cook over medium heat for a few minutes until the veggies begin to soften.
- Next, add in the chopped sausage and sauté with the veggies until caramelized. This process typically takes 5-10 minutes, depending on how soft and brown you want them.
-
Once pasta water comes to a boil, add in the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (usually this takes 8-11 minutes, but check your box for recommended times). Once cooked, remove from heat, drain, and set aside to prepare your homemade cheese sauce.
- In another large pot, melt the unsalted butter. While butter is melting, add milk to a large glass measuring cup and microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.
- Next, add the flour to the melted butter and whisk over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes a light brown.
- Next, add in the slightly warm milk a little at a time, whisking vigorously in between to remove lumps and create a smooth and creamy texture.
- Next, add in your seasonings and whisk until evenly combined.
- Cook over medium/high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens and bubbles.
- Turn off the heat and add in the shredded cheeses a little at a time. Stir with a wooden spoon until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add drained pasta to the homemade cheese sauce and stir until combined. Add sautéed sausage, pepper, and onion mixture and stir until evenly combined.
- Serve and enjoy! If desired, top with chopped fresh or dried chives.
Notes
How to store mac and cheese:
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and will last for up to 1 week.
How to re-heat mac and cheese:
This mac and cheese can easily be re-heated on the stove or in the microwave.
As the mac and cheese sauce naturally thickens after refrigeration, I recommend adding a few tablespoons of milk when re-heating it to make it nice and creamy.
If re-heating individual servings in the microwave, you can add just a tiny splash of milk and heat for 30 second intervals until warm.
Find it online: https://www.kindlyunspoken.com/easy-cajun-mac-and-cheese/