Best Mac And Queso With Sausage Recipes

MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH SAUSAGE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the pasta cooking water and then drain the pasta; set aside.
• Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook until lightly browned, breaking up the meat into small pieces, about 5 minutes. Transfer the browned meat to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the bell pepper, onion and a pinch of salt to the drippings in the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes; transfer to the plate with the sausage.
• Carefully wipe out the pot, add the half-and-half and cayenne and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Simmer until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere, 1 handful at time, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from the heat.
• Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta cooking water to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the sausage and vegetables; adjust the seasoning with additional salt. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish and bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

EMERIL'S SAUSAGE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter a large casserole dish with 1 tablespoon of the butter and set aside.
• 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.
• In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the sausage, stirring, until browned and the fat is rendered.
• Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
• Pour off all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan.
• Add the onions, bell peppers, and 1 teaspoon of the Essence, and cook, stirring, over medium-high heat until soft, about 3 minutes.
• Add the garlic and anise seeds, and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
• Remove from the heat.
• Melt the 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.
• Add the salt, pepper, cayenne, and 2 cups of the cheese, and stir well.
• Add the noodles, cooked sausage and vegetables, and stir well to combine.
• Pour into the prepared baking dish.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup of cheese with the breadcrumbs and remaining 2 teaspoons of Essence.
• Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until golden brown and bubbly, about 25 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.