Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound pork sausages, casings removed and crumbled
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking sausages
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking dish for baking mac and cheese
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook crumbled sausages over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
5. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
6. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Add cooked macaroni and cooked sausages to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 650
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta you like instead of elbow macaroni.
- You can use any type of sausage you like instead of pork sausages.
- You can use any type of cheese you like instead of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Variations:
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to the mac and cheese for extra nutrition.
- You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
- You can use different types of sausages like chicken or turkey sausages.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the macaroni until al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the cheese sauce.
- Drain excess fat from the cooked sausages to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming greasy.
- Use a combination of different cheeses for a more complex flavor.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover mac and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Top mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or chopped herbs for extra texture and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Garnish mac and cheese with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk to thin it out.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add more cheese sauce or milk to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the sausages to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that originated in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, savory, and slightly spicy from the sausages.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve mac and cheese with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a perfect pairing.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting