Emeril's Sausage Macaroni and Cheese

Warm, cheesy, and irresistibly indulgent, Emeril's Sausage Macaroni and Cheese takes comfort food to the next level with its rich, savory layers. Featuring tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish gets an extra kick of flavor from perfectly browned Italian sausage and a hint of smoky paprika. Topped with golden, buttery panko breadcrumbs, this baked macaroni masterpiece delivers a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings, this hearty recipe combines gourmet touches with timeless comfort.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 16 oz Elbow macaroni
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
• 3 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 1 cup Heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dry mustard powder
• 0.5 tsp Smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp Granulated garlic powder
• 3 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp Unsalted butter (melted, for breadcrumbs)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, toss it in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles, until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the sausage and set aside, draining any excess grease.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to make a roux.

Step 5

Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, ensuring no lumps form. Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the dry mustard powder, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic powder. Reduce heat to low and slowly mix in the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 7

Season the cheese sauce with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Combine the cooked macaroni, sausage, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 9

Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula.

Step 10

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

Step 11

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 12

Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your flavorful and comforting meal!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2426.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6795.6

Total Fat 423.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 221.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 1201.2mg	0%
Sodium 10402.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 462.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.1g	0%
Total Sugars 57.6g
Protein 268.9g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 3888.1mg	0%
Iron 28.2mg	0%
Potassium 2629.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.5%

Protein: 16.0%

Carbs: 27.5%