PCLinuxOS Recipe Corner: Cajun Mac & Cheese
Cajun Mac & Cheese
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS:
4 qts. Water
2 1/2 tsp. Kosher salt, divided
1 (16-oz.) pkg. Large elbow pasta
1/2 Tbsp. Canola oil
1/2 (16-oz.) pkg. German sausage or Smoked Sausage, chopped
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 small onion)
1 tsp. Minced garlic (1 medium garlic clove)
6 Tbsp. (3 oz.) salted butter
6 Tbsp. (about 1 1/2-oz.) all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
2 tsp. Cajun seasoning (such as Slap Ya Mama)
1 (8-oz.) block medium Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
1 (8-oz.) block pepper Jack cheese or Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
DIRECTIONS:
Cook the pasta:
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bring water and 2 teaspoons of the salt to a boil in a Dutch oven over medium-high. Add pasta; cook for 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sausage, garlic & onions
Heat oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high; add sausage, onion. Cook, stirring often, until sausage has begun to brown and onion are tender, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute. Transfer sausage mixture to a plate; wipe skillet clean.
Make the cheese sauce:
Melt butter in a skillet over medium-low; whisk in flour, and cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Increase heat to medium, and cook, whisking occasionally, until mixture thickens slightly and comes to a simmer, 14 to 16 minutes.
Continue to cook, whisking constantly, 5 minutes. Whisk in Cajun seasoning and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt; whisk in cheeses until smooth, and remove from heat. Gently stir in cooked pasta and sausage mixture.
Bake the macaroni and cheese:
Transfer to a preheated oven with an oven rack 4 to 6 inches from heat. Bake until golden and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Increase oven temperature to broil; broil until top is browned and crisp, 3 to 5 minutes.
TIP:
To round out the meal, serve with additional protein in the form of grilled or blackened chicken, shrimp, crab cakes, or additional German or smoked sausage. Pair with green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, a salad, or other favorite veggies, as well as cornbread or garlic bread for a hearty addition.
Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents in the mix that keep them from melting properly.
NUTRITION:
Calories: 213 Carbs: 32g Sodium: 1253mg Fiber: 0g Protein:8g
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