Name: Cajun Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 10 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 32 ounces Andouille Sausage; 3 cups elbow noodles; 1 cup Milk; 1 cup Heavy whipping cream; 2 Eggs; 1 tsp Paprika; 1 tbsp Dried basil; 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning; 1 tsp Salt; 1 tsp Pepper; 6 cups Cheese

From the Cook

1/8

Cajun Mac and Cheese

It is a Keeper Verified

Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

This recipe also lives on It is a Keeper. Show them some love by checking it out! 😊

Check out original post! 😊

Original PostView

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350F.

Prepare a 9" x 13" casserole dish by applying grease and keep it aside.

Cut the andouille sausage into small chunks. Cook the sausage beforehand and keep it aside.

Prepare the elbow noodles as per the instructions on the package.

Combine the milk, heavy whipping cream, and eggs thoroughly by whisking while the noodles cook.

Whisk the paprika, 2 teaspoons of basil, 2 teaspoons of cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper into the milk mixture.

After cooking the noodles, don't drain them and instead put them directly into the milk mixture. Additionally, include the sliced and precooked sausage.

Mix in 4 cups of cheese into the milk mixture and stir in with the noodles and sausage until well coated.

Transfer the mac and cheese blend into the casserole dish that has been prepared.

Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of cheese on top and then add the remaining 1 teaspoon of basil and cajun seasoning.

Bake the casserole dish for 35 minutes by covering it with tin foil. Once done, remove the tin foil and continue baking until the cheese melts entirely.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
Review & Earn

Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus

Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!

My Notes

Your kitchen notebook is waiting.

Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.

Tips & Tricks (5)

Toast Your Cajun Seasoning 🔥
Bloom your Cajun seasoning in the fat from the sautéed andouille sausage for 30-45 seconds before adding the cream sauce to intensify and marry the spice flavors throughout the dish.
Achieve Creamy Perfection with Egg Temper 🥚
Slowly whisk hot cream sauce into beaten eggs rather than adding eggs directly to the pot to prevent scrambling and create a silky, luxurious custard-like sauce.
Render Andouille Fat for Maximum Flavor 🌶️
Dice and cook the andouille sausage on medium heat first to render its spiced fat, which becomes the flavor-building base for your entire sauce rather than using butter or oil.
Cook Pasta Al Dente for Texture 🍝
Undercook your elbow noodles by one minute (check package instructions) so they finish cooking perfectly when baked in the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
Blend Multiple Cheeses for Depth 🧀
Use a combination of sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, and gruyère to create complex, layered flavors that complement the Cajun spices better than a single cheese variety.