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.

MAC AND QUESO FUNDIDO

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil over high heat for the pasta.
• As the water comes to a boil, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the mushrooms and cook until crispy and golden brown all over, about 5 minutes on each side. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and transfer to a plate. Wipe out the skillet.
• Line another plate with paper towels. Add the chorizo to the skillet and cook, crumbling the meat with a spatula, until the fat has rendered and the chorizo is crispy, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove and set aside on the paper towels to drain.
• Drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and return the pasta back to the pot.
• Meanwhile, in the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour, then slowly whisk in the stock. Once the stock is incorporated, whisk in the milk and cream until smooth. Whisk in onion powder and smoked paprika, then cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the mozzarella, Mexican cheese blend and Parmesan until completely melted. Adjust the salt to taste.
• Add the cheese sauce to the pasta and stir to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce. Leave in the pot or transfer to a serving dish and top with the mushrooms and chorizo, if using. Garnish with scallions and serve immediately.