Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving something indulgent, comforting, and packed with bold flavors, this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe will absolutely blow you away. It’s creamy, cheesy, and smoky, with the spicy kick of fresh chorizo sausage folded right into every bite. When I first tried this combo, I couldn’t believe how much heartier and tastier my usual mac and cheese became—plus it’s super simple to whip up any night of the week. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through all the tips I learned to make this dish the superstar of your dinner table.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward, but each plays a key role to make your chorizo mac and cheese sing. I always recommend using freshly grated extra sharp cheddar for the best melt and flavor punch, and go for fresh chorizo if you can—it’s so much tastier than pre-cooked or dried versions.

• Cavatappi pasta: I love cavatappi because its spiral shape traps all that cheesy sauce perfectly, but any swirled or tubular pasta works great.
• Fresh chorizo sausage: The star of this dish—make sure to remove casings before cooking for easier browning and crumbling.
• Green bell pepper: Adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of color; dice it small for even cooking.
• Unsalted butter: Helps build the roux that thickens the cheese sauce without adding extra salt.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce—be sure to cook it briefly to avoid that raw flour taste.
• Milk: I use whole milk for creaminess, but you can swap in whatever milk you have on hand.
• Extra sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grated is key here—it melts smoothly and provides that tangy kick.
• Kosher salt: To taste—but remember, the chorizo and cheddar already bring some saltiness, so add gradually.

Variations

I love how flexible this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe is—you can easily make it your own by mixing up the ingredients based on what you have or prefer. Don’t hesitate to get creative here!

• Spicy kick: If you want more heat, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the bell pepper—my family enjoys the extra zing!
• Dairy alternatives: Swap the milk for almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free cheese to make it vegan-friendly (just be sure to pick cheeses that melt well).
• Veggie boost: Add in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition. I tried this once and loved the added earthiness.
• Different cheeses: Mix cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack to switch up the flavor profile.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your cavatappi (or other pasta) according to package instructions until al dente. Don’t overcook it here—remember it will soften a bit more when mixed with the cheese sauce. Once done, drain and set aside. I like to toss the pasta with a tiny bit of olive oil if I’m not mixing it immediately to keep it from sticking.

Step 2: Brown the chorizo and sauté peppers

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the fresh chorizo until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks—this gives you those little flavorful bites in every forkful. Toss in the diced green bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, transfer the chorizo and peppers to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Make the creamy cheese sauce

Return your skillet to medium heat and melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook it for about 30 seconds—this step is crucial to get rid of that raw flour taste and create a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and starts to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add cheese and combine flavors

Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated extra sharp cheddar cheese along with a pinch of kosher salt. Keep stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is luxuriously smooth. Then, fold in the browned chorizo and sautéed bell peppers. Give it a taste and adjust salt if needed.

Step 5: Mix pasta and sauce, then serve

Carefully add the cooked pasta into the cheese and chorizo mixture, tossing gently but thoroughly so every piece gets coated in that smoky, cheesy goodness. Serve it up warm, and watch everyone dig in with big smiles.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes a dusting of smoked paprika amps up the smoky flavor even more. You could even add crispy fried onions for some fantastic crunch that contrasts the creamy texture.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with something fresh and light to cut through the richness. A simple crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts balances the meal perfectly. I’ve also served it alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that cheese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake the chorizo mac and cheese in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese—then broil it until golden and bubbly. It creates a crispy top layer that’s absolutely irresistible. Another fun idea: serve it in individual ramekins for a classy single-serve presentation that looks great on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chorizo mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully, but I always recommend storing the pasta and sauce together so flavors meld even more overnight.

Freezing

Freezing chorizo mac and cheese works well if you want to save some for later. I freeze it in portion-sized containers, but avoid freezing it with any crispy toppings as they won’t hold up. When thawed, the texture is almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the mac and cheese on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce. This method keeps it creamy without drying out or sticking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Chorizo Mac and Cheese Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites, especially when I want to impress guests or just treat my family to something a little special without a lot of fuss. It’s a simple upgrade anyone can make that brings so much warmth and flavor to the table. I encourage you to try it out—you’ll discover just how addictively delicious smoky chorizo and creamy cheddar can be together. Plus, it’s fun to make and downright satisfying to devour. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Print