This Cajun mac and cheese recipe is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness, smoky sausage and a touch of heat. It's a fun twist on a comfort food classic.
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Updated Oct. 01, 2024
This Cajun mac and cheese is smoky, spicy and rich. It’s one of those recipes your friends and family will definitely ask you to make again! The smoky andouille sausage and Cajun seasoning give the dish a bold layer of southern flavor that sets it apart from typical mac and cheese recipes. It’s hearty enough for a casual dinner yet flavorful enough to work as an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish for potlucks, family gatherings or game-day celebrations.
Ingredients for Cajun Mac and Cheese
- Elbow macaroni: This pasta acts as the base of the dish, providing a hearty and chewy texture that absorbs the rich cheese sauce.
- Butter: The vegetables and sausage are cooked in butter to add richness. Butter also forms part of the roux, the combination of fat and flour that thickens the cheese sauce.
- Andouille sausage: This smoked sausage introduces a spiced flavor to the dish, giving it that signature Cajun kick.
- Onion and bell pepper: These aromatic vegetables provide the savory foundation of the mac and cheese sauce. Red bell pepper adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the sausage and Cajun seasoning.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the dish with a subtle yet aromatic flavor, enhancing the savory profile.
- All-purpose flour: Flour helps to thicken the milk to create a creamy, smooth cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Milk adds creaminess to the dish and serves as the liquid base for the cheese sauce.
- Cheeses: Sharp cheddar cheese contributes a bold, tangy flavor, while pepper jack cheese adds a spicy note. Parmesan introduces a salty, nutty flavor that adds depth and complexity.
- Cajun seasoning: You can use a store-bought or homemade Cajun seasoning. This blend of herbs and spices gives the dish its signature heat.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the sausage
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, one to two minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Saute the vegetables
In the same pan, add the onion and pepper. Cook until tender, four to five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one minute longer.
Step 4: Make the cheese sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir until well combined. Gradually add in the milk and cook until thickened, three to four minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the shredded cheddar, pepper jack and Parmesan cheeses, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted. Stir in the cooked macaroni and sausage.
Step 5: Bake the Cajun mac and cheese
Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Add more heat: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of Louisiana hot sauce to give this Cajun mac and cheese recipe an extra kick.
- Swap in chicken: To make Cajun chicken mac and cheese, substitute chicken for sausage. Cut chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and season with Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken in the saucepan until cooked through, then set aside. Proceed as directed and add the chicken back to the dish alongside the macaroni.
- Make Cajun shrimp mac and cheese: Add cooked crawfish or shrimp to create a shrimp boil twist to this mac and cheese recipe. You can make it with or without sausage.
- Change the veggies: Instead of onion and red pepper, use the Cajun holy trinity (green pepper, onion and celery) for extra color, texture and flavor.
- Try a different pasta: Substitute penne, rotini or cavatappi for a different texture.
- Experiment with cheese: For a creamier profile, experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere or fontina.
How to Store Cajun Mac and Cheese
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled Cajun mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave or a 350° oven, adding a splash of milk as needed to keep the sauce creamy.
Can you make Cajun mac and cheese ahead of time?
You can assemble Cajun mac and cheese in advance and refrigerate it overnight. The next day, remove the dish from the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Adjust the baking time as needed for the mac and cheese to be bubbly and golden brown.
Can you freeze Cajun mac and cheese?
You can freeze Cajun mac and cheese for up to three months. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Cajun Mac and Cheese Tips
What is a substitute for andouille sausage in Cajun recipes?
If you don’t have andouille sausage, you can use other smoked or spicy sausages like kielbasa, chorizo or Cajun-spiced chicken sausage.
Does Cajun mac and cheese have to be spicy?
Cajun mac and cheese doesn’t have to be spicy, which might be helpful if you plan to serve it as a kid-friendly option at a family gathering. To reduce the heat, cut back on the Cajun seasoning or make a mild Creole seasoning mix that contains less cayenne pepper. You can also replace the spicy pepper jack cheese with mild Monterey Jack or mozzarella. If the dish turns out too spicy, stir in extra milk, sour cream or heavy cream to tone down the heat.
What side dishes go well with Cajun mac and cheese?
Cajun mac and cheese pairs well with light, flavorful side dishes like crunchy and refreshing broccoli slaw, honey-lemon asparagus or scalloped corn casserole.
Cajun Mac and Cheese
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
25 min
Yield
12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 4 fully cooked andouille sausage links, sliced
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped sweet red pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1-1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain; set aside.
- In a large sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add sausage; cook until browned, 1-2 minutes per side. Remove; set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper; cook until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Sprinkle with flour until well combined. Gradually add in milk; cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shredded cheeses, Cajun seasoning, salt and pepper until cheese has melted. Stir in cooked macaroni and sausage.
- Transfer mixture to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Bake until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
