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Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese

This Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines elbow macaroni, rich cheese sauce, and browned bratwurst, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 4 pieces Bratwurst sausages (about 12 oz)
  • 12 oz Elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups Whole milk
  • 1/2 cup Heavy cream
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, sharp
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings and Toppings
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp Parsley, fresh
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp Paprika, smoked
  • 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • tbsp 2 Butter, unsalted
  • tbsp 1 Butter
  • to taste Salt and black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bratwurst sausages until browned, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Making the Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux.
  2. Gradually add the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
  3. Add in the garlic powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  4. Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Combining and Baking
  1. Mix the cooked macaroni and bratwurst into the cheese sauce until well combined.
  2. Pour the mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with Panko breadcrumbs and parsley.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Serving
  1. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

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 until warm, or microwave in short bursts.