Chorizo Mac & Cheese
Chorizo Mac n Cheese (Serves 6)
This Chorizo Mac n Cheese is a true family favourite in our home! It’s not just easy to make, but packed with rich, comforting flavours that everyone loves. While we often use chorizo for its smoky, spicy kick, you can easily swap it out with whatever you have on hand. Bacon, smoked sausage, or even veggies all make great alternatives. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for adapting to your fridge contents—and it always turns out delicious!
@thekitchentoolkit 3 cheese Chorizo Mac ‘n’ Cheese ##fyp #foryou #thekitchentoolkit #trending #food #recipes #macncheeserecipe ♬ 2:23 AM - しゃろう
Ingredients:
- 50g plain flour
- 50g butter
- 600ml milk
- 200g mature cheddar cheese (grated)
- 100g mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp English mustard (or mustard powder)
- 400g macaroni pasta
- 200g Spanish chorizo
Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking the macaroni. Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil, then add the pasta and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or according to the instructions on the packet. Once it’s done, drain the pasta, but leave a small amount of water in the pan to stop it from sticking together. Set the pasta aside to cool—it’s best to use cold pasta for mac and cheese as it helps the sauce cling better. Don’t worry if it’s still warm, though; it’ll get baked in the oven anyway!
Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter in a saucepan over a medium-low heat. Gradually stir in the flour to form a roux, using a silicone spatula to prevent sticking. Cook for about 2 minutes, then slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
Add the grated cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until it’s fully melted. Keep a little cheese back for topping later. You can add more cheese or even different varieties, I like to use some of the mozzarella if there's extra —a couple of processed cheese slices (plastic cheese as the kids call them) work great if you want an extra gooey texture! Stir in the salt, pepper, and mustard, then cover the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
Prepare the Chorizo
Slice the chorizo into bite-sized pieces. In a dry frying pan, cook the chorizo over a medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the oils release and the chorizo just starts to go crispy. The oil adds a beautiful, rich colour and flavour to the cheese sauce.
Assemble the Mac & Cheese
Preheat the oven to 200°C. In an ovenproof dish, add the cooled pasta (ensuring any remaining water has been drained away) . Pour over the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated. Add the cooked chorizo, making sure to scrape in all the lovely oils from the pan. Give everything another stir to spread the chorizo throughout the dish.
Top and Bake
Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top, then layer on the mozzarella slices. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, take it out of the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and serve. Whether you’re feeding the family on a busy weeknight or indulging in a cosy weekend meal, this Chorizo Mac & Cheese is sure to become a regular favourite!
In my next post i'll be making Mac n Cheese bites with the leftovers - these are a real crowd pleaser!!