Ingredients for Grown Up Macaroni And Cheese
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Half And Half Cream
- 4 oz cream cheese
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
- Smoked Gouda Cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- White Pepper
- Nutmeg
- Cooked Pasta
- Sliced Mushrooms
- Smoked Sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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How to Make Grown Up Macaroni And Cheese
- Sauté 8 oz cremini mushrooms in 1 tablespoon olive oil until softened and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté 1/2 lb Italian sausage coins (removed from casings) until browned and slightly caramelized (about 8-10 minutes).
- Combine cooked mushrooms and sausage; keep warm.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes, until a light golden roux forms.
- Gradually whisk in 1 1/4 cups half-and-half (use 3/4 cup if baking), 4 oz cream cheese, 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly add remaining 1/2 cup half-and-half (omit if baking), whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese), stirring until melted and smooth (reserve 1/2 cup for topping if baking). Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is creamy and flavors have melded.
- Meanwhile, cook 1 lb elbow macaroni according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 1 minute to prevent mushiness when baking.
- **For Extra Creamy Mac & Cheese:** Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, mushrooms, and sausage in a large bowl. Serve immediately.
- **For Baked Mac & Cheese:** Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, mushrooms, and sausage in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with reserved cheese and 1/2 cup breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
Sodium
53 g
Sugar
14g
Fat
157g
Carbs
10g
