Sausage Mac and Cheese

2008-05-04
  • Yield : 6 - 8
  • Servings : 6 - 8
  • Prep Time : 30m
  • Cook Time : 45m
  • Ready In : 1:15 h
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A good twist on plain old Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients

  • 9 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 to 1 pound smoked sausage
  • 1 pound pork sausage or regular-spicy Italian sausage
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
  • 1 tbsp Creole/Cajun Seasoning
  • 4 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp anise seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne
  • 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
  • 1/2 pound elbow macaroni

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Butter a large casserole dish with one tablespoon of the butter and set aside.

Step 3

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold running water. Drain well.

Step 4

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage and meat, stirring, until browned and the fat is rendered. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Pour off all but one tablespoon of fat from the pan.

Step 5

Add the onions, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of the Creole Seasoning to the skillet and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and anise seeds if using, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Remove from the heat.

Step 6

Melt the remaining stick of butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, cook over medium heat until thick, 3 to 4 minutes, being careful not to let the flour brown. Using a whisk, add the milk in a steady stream and cook, whisking constantly, until thick and smooth, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Step 7

Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well. Add the pasta, cooked sausage and vegetables, and stir well to combine. Pour into the prepared baking dish.

Step 8

In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining one cup of cheese with the breadcrumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons of Creole Seasoning. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.

Step 9

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 10

MawMaw's note - Take one to day old French bread and oven toast for minutes, Crush to make bread crumbs and when combining with the cheese creates a crusty cheese texture..

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Houma, Louisiana Louisiana
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