Spicy BBQ Cheddar Mac with Smoked Sausage
Creamy cheddar mac and cheese loaded with smoky sausage and bold spicy BBQ flavor — a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner with a kick.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Skillet
- Whisk
Ingrédients
Spicy BBQ Cheddar Mac
- 12 oz elbow macaroni
- 12 oz smoked sausage sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk warm
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- salt and black pepper to taste
- green onions sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown smoked sausage slices until lightly crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in warm milk and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked macaroni and sausage to the sauce. Stir until well coated and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Notes
For extra heat, add hot sauce or jalapeños. Swap cheddar for pepper jack for even more spice.