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Why make this recipe

This dish is rich, simple, and filling. It mixes cheesy mac and bratwurst for a tasty meal the whole family will enjoy. You can make it for a weeknight dinner or a game-day snack.

introduction

Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese blends soft pasta, melted cheese, and sliced bratwurst in one dish. It cooks fast and uses common ingredients. If you like other hearty mac and cheese ideas, try a similar warm bowl like cheeseburger macaroni soup for a different twist.

how to make Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, brown the bratwurst over medium heat until cooked through. Remove, slice, and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream. Cook while stirring until the sauce thickens.
Stir in 2 cups sharp Cheddar, 1 cup Mozzarella, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until the sauce is smooth and cheese is melted.
Fold in the cooked macaroni and sliced bratwurst. Mix well.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Mix 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp butter and sprinkle on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the dish is bubbly. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh parsley before serving.
For a softer spice or different flavor, you can follow the cream and cheese method used in creamy honey pepper chicken mac and cheese and adjust seasoning to taste.

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

how to serve Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese

Serve hot from the oven. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. You can top each plate with extra parsley or a little extra cheese.

how to store Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

tips to make Cheesy Bratwurst Mac & Cheese

Use sharp Cheddar for good flavor.
Do not overcook the pasta in the pot; it will cook more in the oven.
If the sauce seems thick, add a little more milk while stirring.
For a crunchier top, toast the Panko a bit in a pan before adding.
If you want a different bake idea, try a savory dish like the bagel and cream cheese casserole for a creamy, baked twist.

variation (if any)

Add a splash of beer to the sauce for a deeper flavor.
Mix in cooked onions or peppers for extra taste.
Use spicy sausages or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Penne or shells work well. Just adjust the cooking time.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the bratwurst and add mushrooms or a meat substitute.

Q: Can I use low-fat milk or less cream?
A: You can. The sauce will be lighter but still tasty. You may need to watch thickness.

Q: Do I have to bake it?
A: No. You can skip baking and serve it right after mixing, but baking adds a golden top.

Q: How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?
A: Melt cheese slowly on low heat and stir often. Add a little milk if it gets too thick.

Conclusion

For a beer-flavored take on mac and cheese with bratwurst, see Brat and Beer Mac and Cheese for ideas on adding beer to the sauce. If you want another bratwurst mac and cheese version, check the Beer Bratwurst Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Foodie Post for a different recipe approach.