Easy Cajun Mac and Cheese

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

monterey jack cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: colby cheese

Part-skim mozzarella is lower in fat but still melty.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is a healthier fat option.

Dice the 14 oz package of jalapeno and cheddar smoked sausage into bite-sized pieces.

Grate an 8 oz block of sharp cheddar cheese and an 8 oz block of pepper jack cheese using a box grater.

In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, salt, and cracked black pepper; stir until evenly combined.

Begin heating lightly salted water in a large pot over medium-high heat.

In a large nonstick skillet, add half a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.

Dice a small yellow onion and a green bell pepper off camera, then add them into the pan.

Cook the veggies over medium heat for a few minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the chopped sausage to the skillet and sauté with the veggies until caramelized, about 5 to 10 minutes depending on desired softness and browning.

Once the pasta water comes to a boil, add in a 16 oz box of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 to 11 minutes.

Once the pepper, onion, and sausage are caramelized to your liking, remove from heat and set aside.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.

In a large pot, begin melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.

Add 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes a light brown color.

In a large glass measuring cup, microwave 4 cups of milk for 1 to 2 minutes until warm.

Pour the slightly warm milk into the pot a little at a time, whisking vigorously in between to remove lumps and create a smooth and creamy texture, which may take a few minutes.

Add in the seasoning mixture and whisk until evenly combined.

Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring regularly until the sauce thickens and bubbles.

Turn off the heat and add in the shredded cheeses a little at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Add the drained pasta to the homemade cheese sauce and stir until combined.

Lastly, add in the sautéed sausage, pepper, and onion mixture and stir until evenly combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens