Smoked Sausage Mac Cheese (Printable Version)
Smoked sausage and sharp cheddar add tons of flavor and richness to this ultra creamy mac. It’s cozy, filling, and great whenever you want comfort food.
# What You'll Need:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 (1-pound) box elbow macaroni
02 -
1 (16-ounce) block sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 -
1 (13-ounce) pack smoked sausage, cut into slices
→ Sauce Base
04 -
1 teaspoon salt
05 -
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
06 -
6 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
07 -
4 cups whole milk
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 -
Dump your drained pasta and the browned sausage into the cheesy sauce. Mix everything well so it’s all coated. Add more salt or pepper if you want. Serve right away while it’s hot.
02 -
While keeping your pot on low, slowly tip in the shredded cheddar a little at a time. Keep stirring until it’s all smooth and melted. Sprinkle in that salt and give it another good stir.
03 -
Get your large pot or Dutch oven hot with the butter on medium. Toss in the flour and keep stirring about a minute so it doesn't burn.
04 -
Pour milk into a big cup or bowl and pop it in the microwave until it’s just warmed up, which usually takes around 2½ minutes.
05 -
Fill a pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Throw in the elbow macaroni, cooking it by the time on the box, then drain it well and set it aside.
06 -
Grab your block of cheddar and shred it up using a box grater. Put the cheese aside for now.
07 -
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage until it gets a bit crispy and brown. Take it out, let the oil drip off on a paper towel, and put it somewhere out of the way.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Your sauce turns out extra smooth when you use cheese you just shredded.
02 -
To keep everything creamy, dig in right after you mix everything together.