Spicy Mac and Cheese otherwise known as Cajun Mac and Cheese brings a delicious heat and flavor to your standard homemade mac and cheese.
If there’s one thing that I can never get enough of, it’s comfort food. But sometimes, it’s great to kick things up a notch, which is why I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Today, we’re taking a classic dish beloved by all and adding a bit of a spicy twist. Yes, you’ve guessed it – it’s time for Spicy Mac and Cheese!
This Spicy Mac and Cheese is a fantastic way to elevate a classic comfort food favorite. The addition of spicy sausage and a hint of spice gives it a delicious twist that’ll have you and your loved ones coming back for seconds, maybe even thirds.
So why not give it a try? You might just find that this spicy version becomes your new family favorite!
Don’t forget to rate this recipe with a star rating and share your creations on social media. I can’t wait to see your takes on this spicy, cheesy comfort dish. Happy cooking, friends!
Common Questions About Spicy Mac and Cheese
What Spices Can I Add To Mac And Cheese?
While this recipe calls for Cajun seasoning, you can add more if you’re a fan of spicy food. Think hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or maybe a touch of cayenne pepper for that extra kick.
Garlic powder and onion powder also add a delicious depth of flavor.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Noodle?
Sure! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese, feel free to use another type of pasta. Just make sure it’s something that will hold up to the creamy cheese sauce.
I also recommend making it al dente pasta as this will give you the best texture when it’s all said and done!
What’s Different About This Mac & Cheese Recipe?
This isn’t your typical mac and cheese. This version takes the comforting classic and gives it a delicious, spicy twist with the addition of Cajun or andouille sausage, bell peppers, and a blend of flavorful cheeses.
Storage
We’re not following any package directions here. This is not your kids mac and cheese! Although, they will probably like it too.
Refrigerator
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer
To freeze, let the spicy mac and cheese cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips
All you pasta cooks out there are going to love this dish! The cheesy sauce blends so well with the noodles and sausage. You’ll also love the aroma that fills your house!
- Always shred your own cheese. It melts better than pre-shredded cheese (because of it’s anti-caking agent) and gives you the creamiest sauce.
- Undercook your pasta by a couple of minutes. It’ll finish cooking in the oven and will absorb that spicy cheese sauce better.
- Let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes after baking. This helps the cheese sauce thicken up nicely.
Ingredients
This is seriously the best way to enjoy macaroni. I’m as much a fan of the original as the next girl, but I can’t get enough of this!
- Elbow macaroni
- Olive oil
- Cajun or andouille sausage
- Green and red bell pepper
- Yellow or white onion
- Minced garlic
- Salted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Cajun seasoning
- Cheddar cheese
- Pepper jack cheese
How to Make Spicy Mac and Cheese
Don’t be fooled. This is a super easy recipe. So bring out your inner child and get into this awesome mac!
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Fill a Dutch oven with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Return the empty Dutch oven to the stovetop. Add the oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage, bell peppers, and onion. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic.
- Remove the sausage and vegetables from the Dutch oven and wipe the pot to remove any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the Dutch oven and melt.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking well. Cook, stirring often until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the seasoning.
- Stir in about 1 ½ cups of each cheese, mixing until completely melted.
- Add the macaroni, sausage, and vegetables to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Smooth the top of the casserole and add the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted on top and the edges are bubbling.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Spicy Mac and Cheese
I’ve found that I get the best results in my Dutch oven. You can use your own favorite tool, though!
- Dutch oven or large saucepan
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Cheese grater
What to Serve With Spicy Mac and Cheese
This creamy, spicy dish pairs well with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, which help lighten things up. If you’re serving it as a holiday side dish, it goes perfectly with roasted meats.
Why You Should Make Spicy Mac and Cheese
I think this recipe brings just the right amount of spice to the macaroni. It’s really a next level mac and cheese!
- New Twist on a Classic: This isn’t your basic mac and cheese – the spicy sausage and flavorful cheese blend make it a unique and tasty variation.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is a breeze to whip up.
- Crowd Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a potluck, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Variations and Add-Ins for Spicy Mac and Cheese
Got any other ideas to change things up? Let us know! We’re always open to suggestions!
- Extra Veggies: Add some diced tomatoes or spinach for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar or pepper jack with Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different taste.
- Toppings: Sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Extra spicy macaroni: Add in a generous helping of your favorite hot sauce to bring all the fire!
If you love this easy mac and cheese recipe, you’re going to love these other pasta dishes too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Great Mac and Cheese Recipes
Instant Pot Bacon Mac and Cheese
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Spicy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces Cajun sausage cubed – or andouille sausage
- 1 green bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 yellow onion diced (you can also use white)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons butter salted
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded and divided (1 block)
- 8 ounces pepper jack cheese shredded and divided (1 block)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Fill a Dutch oven with salted water. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Return the empty Dutch oven to the stovetop. Add the oil and heat over medium-high heat.
- Add the sausage, bell peppers, and onion. Cook, stirring often, for 6 to 8 minutes or until tender. Stir in the garlic.
- Remove the sausage and vegetables from the Dutch oven and wipe the pot to remove any excess grease.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the Dutch oven and melt.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly add the milk, whisking well. Cook, stirring often until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the seasoning.
- Stir in about 1 ½ cups of each cheese, mixing until completely melted.
- Add the macaroni, sausage, and vegetables to the mixture, stirring until combined.
- Smooth the top of the casserole and add the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted on top and the edges are bubbling.
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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