why make this recipe
This Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese is hearty, simple, and full of flavor. It pairs rich cheese sauce with browned bratwurst for a meal that fills you up. It works for weeknights, game day, or a family dinner.
introduction
This dish mixes elbow macaroni, three cheeses, and bratwurst in a creamy sauce. You get a crunchy breadcrumb top and savory sausage pieces in each bite. If you want a slow-cooked version of mac and cheese, see this slow-cooked mac and cheese for ideas on a hands-off method.
how to make Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese
Cook the pasta and sausage, make a simple roux, add milk and cream, then melt the cheeses. Stir pasta and bratwurst into the sauce, top with panko, and bake until golden. For a smoky twist, you can look at a smoked mac and cheese for ideas on adding smoke flavor.
Ingredients :
- 4 Bratwurst sausages (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Whole milk
Directions :
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bratwurst sausages until browned, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni and bratwurst into the cheese sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with Panko breadcrumbs and parsley.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
how to serve Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese
Serve hot right from the oven. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side to lighten the meal. Offer extra mustard or hot sauce on the table for guests who want more heat.
how to store Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese
Cool the dish to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring between them.
tips to make Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese
- Cook the pasta just until al dente so it does not get mushy after baking.
- Brown the bratwurst well for more flavor.
- Use sharp cheddar for a stronger cheese taste.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
- For a dessert to serve after this rich meal, try pairing it with an apple crisp cheesecake.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of beer to the sauce for extra depth.
- Mix in sautéed onions and peppers for more texture.
- Use spicy sausages or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Swap panko for crushed crackers for a different crumb topping.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other sausages instead of bratwurst?
A: Yes. Use kielbasa, Italian sausage, or any sausage you like. Brown it the same way.
Q: Can I make this ahead and bake later?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Bake straight from the fridge; add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
A: You can freeze it, but the texture may change. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Q: How do I keep the top crispy when reheating?
A: Reheat in the oven and uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until hot. The oven will help the top stay crisp.
Conclusion
If you want more brat-and-beer style ideas, check the Beer Bratwurst Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Foodie Post for a beer-flavored take. For another version with beer and bratwurst, see this Brat and Beer Mac and Cheese.
Print
Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty and flavorful mac and cheese featuring bratwurst and a rich, creamy cheese sauce topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
- 4 Bratwurst sausages (about 12 oz)
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Butter, unsalted
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups Whole milk
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bratwurst sausages until browned, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
- Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Mix the cooked macaroni and bratwurst into the cheese sauce until well combined.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with Panko breadcrumbs and parsley.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a smoky twist, consider adding extra ingredients to enhance flavor. Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, bratwurst, comfort food, cheesy pasta, baked pasta