Super creamy and decadently cheesy, this sausage mac and cheese is a dinner everyone will love. Serve with your favorite vegetable or a simple salad for an easy meal.
1poundbulk Italian sausagemild, sweet or hot depending on your preference
2tablespoonsbutter
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
1medium yellow oniondiced
2clovesgarlicminced
¼cupflour
3 ½cupsmilk
¼teaspoonblack pepper
¼teaspoonsmoked paprika
¼teaspoonground mustard
4cupsfreshly grated sharp white cheddar cheesedo not use pre-grated cheese
Salt to taste
Freshly parsley or chiveschopped for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions.
While the pasta is cooking, cook the sausage over medium heat in a large pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small pieces. Once the sausage is browned and cooked through, transfer to a plate or bowl and set aside.
Add the butter and olive oil to the same pot over medium heat. Add the onions to the pot and cook until soft, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 more minute.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then add the milk. Stir to combine the mixture, then add the pepper, smoked paprika and dry mustard.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes or so. It should be the consistency of a creamy soup. Stir in the cheese until melted. Add salt and more pepper to taste.
Drain the pasta once cooked and add it along with the cooked sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
Remove from heat, garnish with parsley or chives and serve hot.