Half Time Sausage Mac and Cheese

Fuel your game-day gatherings with the ultimate comfort food: Half Time Sausage Mac and Cheese! This crowd-pleasing dish combines tender elbow macaroni, a creamy three-cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan, and savory ground Italian sausage for a flavor-packed twist on classic mac and cheese. Topped with a perfectly crispy panko breadcrumb crust and a hint of paprika and garlic powder, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch and bold flavor in every bite. Ready in just 45 minutes, this baked mac and cheese is ideal for feeding a hungry crowd. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and get ready to score major points with friends and family! Perfect for tailgates, potlucks, or weeknight dinners, this mac and cheese is a guaranteed win.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 lb ground Italian sausage
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Break it into small crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.

Step 3

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook and stir frequently until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, sausage, and cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 8

Preheat your oven's broiler to high.

Step 9

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 10

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and olive oil. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 11

Place the baking dish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 12

Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2031.1 grams (2031.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5253

Total Fat 311.60g	399%
Saturated Fat 152.60g	763%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.20g
Cholesterol 891mg	297%
Sodium 9352mg	407%
Total Carbohydrate 364.00g	132%
Dietary Fiber 14.90g	53%
Total Sugars 50.50g
Protein 250.40g	501%

Vitamin D 353IU	1764%
Calcium 3942mg	303%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 2579mg	55%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.3%

Protein: 19.0%

Carbs: 27.7%