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Cajun Macaroni and Cheese

A rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese spiced with Cajun seasoning, tender bell peppers, and smoky andouille sausage.

45 minMediumServes 4580 cal/serving

CajunDinnerStovetop and OvenStandardHigh ProteinNut-FreeEgg-FreeShellfish-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 375F. Boil 8 oz elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain.

  2. 2

    Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium heat and cook 8 oz sliced andouille sausage until browned and internal temperature reaches 165F, then remove sausage.

  3. 3

    Melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat, add 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper, and saute for 3 minutes until tender.

  4. 4

    Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.

  5. 5

    Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and simmer until sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.

  6. 6

    Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese until melted, then fold in cooked pasta and sausage.

  7. 7

    Bake at 375F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

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Questions

What temperature do I cook Cajun Macaroni and Cheese at?

For Cajun Macaroni and Cheese, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 15 minutes, in step 7. The target internal temperature is 165 F (about 75 C), given in step 2. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

How do I know when Cajun Macaroni and Cheese is done?

Go by the cues in the method rather than the clock. Step 5: cook until sauce thickens. Step 7: cook until bubbly and golden on top. A reading of 165 F on a thermometer settles it.

What can I use instead of andouille in Cajun Macaroni and Cheese?

The entry for Cajun Macaroni and Cheese calls for 8 oz andouille sausage, sliced. In its place: Any smoked sausage such as kielbasa, plus a pinch each of cayenne and smoked paprika.

Can I make Cajun Macaroni and Cheese dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (3 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, 1 cup Pepper Jack cheese, shredded) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dinner collection instead.

How many calories are in Cajun Macaroni and Cheese?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 580 calories, with 26 g protein, 48 g carbohydrate and 32 g fat, plus 3 g fiber and 980 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

Serve it with

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