The Art of Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Andouille Sausage Perfection

Perfect Roux Mastery

Master the technique of creating a smooth roux base for rich, lump-free cheese sauce.

Cajun Seasoning Balance

Learn the skill of layering spices to achieve authentic Louisiana flavor without overwhelming heat.

Cheese Sauce Perfection

Perfect the method of melting multiple cheeses into silky, creamy sauce that coats every noodle.

Sausage Browning Technique

Master the art of achieving crispy, caramelized edges on andouille for maximum flavor impact.

Baked Topping Excellence

Learn optimal techniques for creating golden, crunchy breadcrumb topping with perfect texture contrast.

Cajun Comfort Food Mastery Secrets for Perfect Spicy Mac and Cheese

Sausage Selection: Authentic andouille sausage is key - look for Cajun brands with real smoke flavor.

Cheese Temperature: Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and creamier sauce texture.

Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and hot sauce to your heat preference - start mild and add more.

Pasta Timing: Cook pasta 1 minute less than package directions since it bakes further in oven.

Roux Patience: Don't rush the roux - proper cooking prevents flour taste in finished sauce.

Make Ahead: Assemble without topping, refrigerate, then add topping and bake when ready to serve.

Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Spicy Andouille Sausage and Three-Cheese Creamy Sauce

Name: Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Spicy Andouille Sausage and Three-Cheese Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: For the Pasta Base:; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water; 2 tablespoons butter; For the Andouille Sausage:; 12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For the Cajun Cheese Sauce:; 4 tablespoons butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 1 cup heavy cream; For the Three-Cheese Blend:; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; For the Cajun Seasoning:; 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; For the Holy Trinity:; 1 medium green bell pepper, diced; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; For the Flavor Enhancers:

The ultimate Cajun mac and cheese featuring spicy andouille sausage, bold Cajun spices, and a rich three-cheese sauce that delivers authentic Louisiana flavor in every creamy bite. This gourmet comfort food masterpiece combines smoky sausage with velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating an unforgettable dish that elevates classic mac and cheese to extraordinary heights with the perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors perfect for dinner, potlucks, or any time you crave bold Southern comfort food.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

45 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta Base:

1 pound elbow macaroni

1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

2 tablespoons butter

For the Andouille Sausage:

12 ounces andouille sausage, sliced into rounds

1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cajun Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

For the Three-Cheese Blend:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Cajun Seasoning:

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Holy Trinity:

1 medium green bell pepper, diced

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce

1 bay leaf

For the Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

For the Fresh Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

For Special Equipment:

Large pot for pasta

Cast iron skillet

9x13 inch baking dish

Whisk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Bring large pot of salted water to boil for pasta.

Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente.

Drain pasta and toss with butter to prevent sticking.

Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Add sliced andouille sausage and cook until browned and crispy on edges.

Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat in pan.

Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to same skillet.

Sauté holy trinity vegetables until softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavor.

In separate large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 2-3 minutes to create blonde roux.

Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Add Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and black pepper.

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and bay leaf.

Cook sauce until thickened, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes.

Remove bay leaf and reduce heat to low.

Add cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyère cheeses gradually, stirring until melted.

Stir in half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Fold in cooked pasta, sautéed vegetables, and browned andouille sausage.

Mix thoroughly to coat everything in cheese sauce.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Combine panko, melted butter, remaining Parmesan, and Cajun seasoning for topping.

Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over mac and cheese.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions.

Serve hot with extra hot sauce on the side if desired.

Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Spicy Andouille Sausage and Three-Cheese Creamy Sauce

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Andouille Sausage Perfection

Ultimate Cajun Mac and Cheese with Spicy Andouille Sausage and Three-Cheese Creamy Sauce

Ingredients

Instructions