Get ready to transform the classic comfort food into a gourmet experience that will have your taste buds dancing! This Cider Mac n Cheese with Smoked Andouille Chicken Sausage and Bacon Breadcrumbs isn't just another pasta dish - it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, smoky flavors of Andouille sausage, the tangy depth of hard cider, and the irresistible crunch of bacon-studded breadcrumbs. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, this recipe promises to take your mac n cheese from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cider
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup smoked Andouille chicken sausage, sliced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with butter or cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook sliced Andouille chicken sausage until lightly browned and heated through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon, crumble, and set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- In the skillet with bacon fat, add cider and milk. Whisk together and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni and sliced sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with crumbled bacon and breadcrumbs.
- Bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most luxurious sauce - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Don't overcook the pasta! Cook it just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- For extra flavor, try using different types of hard cider or even a light beer to add complexity to your cheese sauce.
- If you can't find Andouille chicken sausage, substitute with spicy Italian sausage or smoked kielbasa.
- For a crispy topping, mix your breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling over the mac n cheese.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese sauce to set and make serving easier.
- For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta and turkey bacon to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 75mg
