When I am sick, tired or stressed I frequently crave macaroni and cheese. As a kid I ate a lot of Kraft Dinner and though as an adult I still love the ease of the box I sometimes want the real thing.
In this case the real thing, aka homemade macaroni and cheese, was inspired by this deliciously pungent, smokey cheddar. This may be better than the butternut squash or the Blue Cheese macaroni and cheese recipes that I have made in the past. The salty chorizo gives the dish texture and the green onions cut the richness. If your family is anything like mine they will start cooing as soon as it goes in the oven; the aroma is intoxicating.
Smoked Cheddar, Chorizo and Green Onion Macaroni and Cheese
(serves 2)
Preheat oven to 350F. Cook macaroni until al dente, drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan add butter and heat to medium low. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking regularly. Slowly whisk in milk and turn the heat to medium high. Bring to a simmer and whisk regularly. Simmer for 2 minutes or until starting to thicken. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in cheddar (reserve a small about 1/4 of the cheese) and hot sauce until sauce is a uniform texture.
Stir in sausage and green onion and season to taste. Gently fold in cooked macaroni and pour into a casserole dish. Top with freshly ground pepper and remaining cheese. Bake for 25 minutes or until browned on top and bubbling.
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
I think your idea of adding chorizo to the mac and cheese is just splendid. It definitely breaks up the texture of the often monotonous dish and adds a nice kick of flavor!
WOW that is comfort food at its finest! Looks incredible!
Oh wow – this looks amazing. Seriously. Yum!
Joanne – why thank you
Cathy – comfort food is my specialty, or at least eating it is.
Kristen – Thanks!
All I can say is YUMMMMM.
I love mac and cheese in any way, shape or form. Love the addition of the chorizo, however my butt does not…LOL
I’m adding this to my favorites for when I’m in need of a fantastic comfort food.
Oh woah. This dish looks so yummy, inviting, and flavorful. I’m bookmarking this recipe.
I always find that after half a dish of mac and cheese I get bored, but I think you may have just solved that problem! It is coming into winter here in Australia and I think I’ll have to print this out for a rainy day!
These flavors sound amazing together!
Elizabeth – really? You need to add mix-ins! Roasted broccoli and pesto are great too. Hmm I see a post in the works.
Hello! Hahahaha – “your family will start cooing”! That’s exactly what I do! Love mac and cheese! A friend served me Kraft dinner with pesto and now I’m a convert! Have been meaning to leave a comment for a while now – I guess mac and cheese was what I needed! By the way, I am ejoying your facebook fanpage and direct updates on my homepage!
Elizabeth – really? You need to add mix-ins! Roasted broccoli and pesto are great too. Hmm I see a post in the works.
No. But now i will. Thanks for that.
I love this recipe so much. I’ve made it several times already, and it is my go-to grown-up mac and cheese recipe!
Wow. You’ve upped the flavor stakes with this one. Chorizo in anything is good, and in M n C it’ll make it taste great!
{ 1 trackback }