Get ready to transform your ordinary mac and cheese into a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds dancing! This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary adventure that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with the bold, spicy kick of crispy chorizo. Imagine a dish so irresistible that it turns a simple weeknight meal into a gourmet experience that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chorizo sausage, casings removed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chorizo sausage from its casings and add to the skillet. Break the chorizo into small crumbles using a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the chorizo for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and crispy. The meat should release its oils and develop a deep, rich color. Remove the chorizo from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, which will help thicken the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken and becomes smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Sprinkle in the paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. Then fold in the crispy chorizo, ensuring it's distributed throughout the dish.
- Transfer the chorizo macaroni and cheese to a serving dish. For extra crispiness, you can optionally broil the top for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful chorizo macaroni and cheese!
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Chorizo: Select fresh chorizo with good fat content for maximum flavor and crispy texture.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushy texture when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Create a Smooth Roux: Whisk the butter and flour continuously to prevent lumps in your cheese sauce.
- Grate Cheese Fresh: Use freshly grated sharp cheddar for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
- Control Your Heat: Keep the heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a creamy consistency.
- Optional Crispy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or additional cheese on top before broiling.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking to let the sauce set and flavors meld together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 650kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 45g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 110mg
