Description
This Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe contains elbow pasta, milk, cheddar, gruyere, flour and topped with crispy chorizo.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups milk
- 2.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 oz plain cream cheese
- 1 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1 cup American cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced chorizo (quantity according to preference)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a large oven-safe pot, crisp the sliced chorizo over medium heat until it's golden brown and releases its flavorful oils. Once crispy, remove the chorizo from the pot and set it aside.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Whisk in the flour. Reduce heat to medium low and cook for 1 minute, continuously stirring. Gradually whisk in the milk and 2 cups of water, then stir in the macaroni. Increase to medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Stir frequently until al dente, 8-10 minutes.
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar, gruyere, American, cayenne, onion powder, and nutmeg in the pot.
- Add Mac and cheese into 9x13 baking pan. Top with the crispy chorizo. Bake for 15 min to 20 or until top is browned.
Notes
- Use a combination of cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheeses to create a flavorful and creamy mac and cheese. A combination of cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan can add depth and richness to the dish. You can also add in other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, fontina, or gouda, for added variety.
- Cook pasta al dente: When boiling the pasta, make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be cooked until it is still slightly firm when bitten. This helps the pasta hold up better when baked or mixed with the cheese sauce, and prevents it from becoming too soft and mushy.
- Make a roux for a smooth sauce: To create a smooth cheese sauce, start by making a roux with melted butter and flour. Cook the roux for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden in color, then gradually whisk in the milk to create a creamy base for the sauce.
- Use real cheese, freshly grated: For the best flavor and texture, use real cheese and grate it yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Freshly grated cheese melts better and provides a smoother and creamier texture to the mac and cheese.
- Add seasonings for extra flavor: Enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese by adding seasonings such as cayenne pepper, onion powder, nutmeg, or herbs like thyme or parsley. Adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences.
- Don't overbake: If you're making a baked mac and cheese, be careful not to overbake it, as it can result in a dry and less creamy dish. Keep an eye on the dish while it's baking and take it out of the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let it rest before serving: Allow the mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together and the dish to set. This will also make it easier to portion and serve.
- Customize with toppings: Customize your mac and cheese with delicious toppings, such as breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, chopped herbs, or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, to add extra flavor and texture to the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 219
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 251 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 24 mg
