Description
Spicy BBQ Cheddar Mac with Smoked Sausage is a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese, blending creamy cheddar with smoky sausage and a hint of BBQ sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, delivering comfort in every cheesy bite. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup smoked sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then add garlic and smoked sausage; cook until golden.
- Stir in milk, then gradually add cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with paprika, cayenne, and salt.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and BBQ sauce until well-coated.
- For a crunchy topping (optional), transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg