Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage is a smoky, one-dish bake that mixes elbow macaroni with spicy andouille sausage in a creamy cheddar sauce infused with Cajun spices for bold, Southern flair—ideal for game days, family dinners, or potlucks with make-ahead assembly and bubbly oven finish. This 50-minute recipe serves 6–8 at ~550 calories per serving, blending heat from sausage and seasoning with gooey cheese pull. For more spicy pasta ideas, explore our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, which adds herbs to creamy bases like this.
What is the Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe?
The Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe is a baked casserole where andouille sausage is browned with bell peppers and onions, tossed with cooked elbow macaroni in a roux-based sauce of milk, cheddar, and Cajun seasoning, topped with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then baked until golden and crisp—perfect for mains. This hearty essential suits busy cooks with stovetop-to-oven flow. If you’re craving smoky spice, follow the Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herb-infused bakes like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, where cheeses melt similarly.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe
This mac’s draw is its fiery sausage kick and creamy comfort, making it a go-to for flavorful meals.
Quick Stovetop-to-Oven Flow
Prep in 20 minutes, bake 25—brown sausage, make sauce, assemble. Ideal for weeknights, like ease in our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Smoky Spicy Cheesiness
Andouille’s heat with Cajun roux and sharp cheddar creates bold, melty bites—customize veggies, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
One skillet and dish; uses staples like andouille for smoke—stress-free, much like our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Versatile Crowd-Pleaser
Serves 6–8; add shrimp for surf. Pairs with salads from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Nourishing Indulgence
Protein-carb balance at ~550 calories/serving; hearty yet adjustable, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Bake
Crispy top over creamy layers—garnish green onions for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free macaroni, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Category: Main Dish, Casserole
Method: Stovetop/Oven
Cuisine: American/Southern
Ingredients
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Sausage & Veggies
- 12 oz andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Preheat oven to 375°F. Boil salted water; cook 12 oz macaroni al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown Sausage & Veggies: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in skillet over medium-high. Add sliced 12 oz andouille; cook 4–5 minutes until browned. Add diced onion and bell pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes until soft. Remove and set aside.
- Make Roux Sauce: Melt 4 tbsp butter in skillet over medium. Whisk in ¼ cup flour; cook 1–2 minutes. Gradually add 3 cups milk, whisking until smooth. Stir in 2 tsp Cajun seasoning; simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened. Add 2 cups cheddar and ½ cup Parmesan; stir until melted. Season with salt/pepper.
- Combine: Mix cooked pasta, sausage-veggie mix, and sauce in a bowl. Pour into greased 9×13 dish.
- Top and Bake: Mix ½ cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp melted butter; sprinkle over top. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~550 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Sausage & Veggies Ingredients
- Andouille Sausage (12 oz, sliced): Smoky, spicy protein base; pre-cooked for ease.
- Onion (1 small, diced) & Bell Pepper (1, diced): Trinity for flavor; green/red for color.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp): For browning without sticking.
Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni (12 oz): Classic shape for sauce hold; GF for alternatives like in our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
- Butter (4 tbsp) & Flour (¼ cup): Roux essentials for thickness.
- Milk (3 cups): Creamy base; whole for richness.
- Cajun Seasoning (2 tsp): Heat and smoke.
- Cheddar (2 cups shredded) & Parmesan (½ cup grated): Melty sharpness.
- Salt/Pepper: Balance.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup) & Melted Butter (2 tbsp): Crispy top.
These ensure smoky, cheesy mac with Cajun kick.
How to Make Perfect Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage Recipe
Focus on roux and browning for essential creaminess and smoke.
Step 1: Oven and Pasta Prep
Preheat to 375°F. Boil water; cook macaroni al dente (7–8 minutes). Drain—essential for non-mushy texture.
Step 2: Brown Sausage & Veggies
Heat oil; add sausage slices 4–5 minutes until crisp. Add onion/pepper; sauté 3–4 minutes. Builds flavor, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Roux and Sauce
Melt butter; whisk flour 1–2 minutes. Add milk gradually; simmer with Cajun 3–5 minutes. Stir in cheeses until smooth—essential for no lumps.
Step 4: Combine
Mix pasta, sausage-veggies, and sauce. Pour into dish.
Step 5: Top and Bake
Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden (cheese bubbly).
Inspired by cheesy bakes? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers assembly tips. For a classic external take, try this Cajun Mac and Cheese recipe from Allrecipes, which incorporates sausage for smoky results.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat at 350°F 15–20 minutes with foil. Freeze portions 2 months (baked); thaw in fridge. Signs of spoilage: slimy sausage, moldy cheese, sour sauce—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Perfect Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe, portion for crisp.)
Tips and Variations
Use andouille for authentic smoke; don’t overcook roux (blonde color). Variations: Add shrimp or corn; lighten with low-fat milk. For vegan, use plant-based cheeses/sausage. Essential: Taste sauce before baking. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust Cajun.
Conclusion
Cajun Mac & Cheese with Andouille Sausage is a smoky, cheesy essential for bold comfort—spicy, creamy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to bake. From picks to storage, success every scoop. Bake ahead, serve and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for herbs.