Description
Baked Mac and Cheese with Sausage
Ingredients:
2 cups macaroni pasta
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
6 cooked sausage links (sliced)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
3. Combine:
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and transfer to a greased baking dish.
4. Add Sausage:
Arrange the sliced sausages evenly on top of the pasta.
5. Prepare the Breadcrumbs:
Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the dish.
6. Bake:
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof, creamy result. First, ensure your pasta is cooked just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. For the cheese sauce (a classic roux-based béchamel), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a paste (the roux) and cook for a full 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat before stirring in the cheeses; this prevents the sauce from breaking. Combine the sauce with the pasta thoroughly before transferring to your baking dish. For maximum crispness, toss the breadcrumbs with the olive oil until all crumbs are lightly coated.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is a meal in itself but can be elevated with simple pairings. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a vegetable side, roasted broccoli or garlicky sautéed green beans are excellent choices. If serving a crowd, offer hot sauce or a drizzle of buffalo sauce for those who enjoy a spicy kick. A light, acidic beer or dry cider pairs wonderfully to cleanse the palate.
How-to Summary
Boil pasta. Make a cheese sauce by creating a roux (butter + flour), whisking in milk, and melting in cheeses. Combine pasta and sauce in a dish. Top with sliced cooked sausage and an oil-tossed breadcrumb mixture. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden. Garnish with parsley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
What kind of sausage works best? Smoked sausages like kielbasa or andouille add great flavor, but Italian sausage (mild or hot) is also fantastic. Ensure it is pre-cooked before slicing.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. For best melt and flavor, use a combination like Gruyère and cheddar, or Monterey Jack. Always include some cheese with good melting properties.
Why is my sauce grainy? Graininess often occurs from overheating the cheese. Always remove the sauce from the heat before stirring in the shredded cheese, and avoid using pre-shredded cheese which contains anti-caking agents.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the oven or toaster oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through to maintain texture; the microwave can make it rubbery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta initially, leading to mushy baked mac and cheese.
- Adding cheese to the sauce while it’s still on high heat, causing it to separate.
- Using dry, un-tossed breadcrumbs which can burn instead of turning golden.
- Not letting the roux cook for a full minute or two, resulting in a “floury” taste in the sauce.
- Overcrowding the baking dish, which prevents even browning on top.
Conclusion
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Sausage transforms a classic comfort food into a satisfying, complete meal. The key lies in mastering the simple cheese sauce and achieving the perfect contrast between the creamy interior and the crispy, flavorful topping. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can reliably create a crowd-pleasing dish that is far superior to any boxed version. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite cheeses or sausages to make it your own signature bake.