Cheat Day Cajun Mac and Cheese

This is the mac and cheese you make when you want to impress everyone at the table — smoky andouille sausage, sweet red pepper, and a rich white cheddar sauce kicked up with My Sister's Pantry Cajun Seasoning. It's baked until bubbly and broiled to golden perfection. Fair warning: one serving is never enough.

Ingredients

• 2½ cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 6 andouille sausages, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 16 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups milk
• 1 tbsp My Sister's Pantry Cajun Seasoning
• Smoked paprika, for topping

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large oven-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced red pepper and sausage and cook for 10–15 minutes until browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside in a bowl.
3. Wipe the pan clean and preheat oven to 350°F.
4. In the same pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour, then slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until smooth and slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in 4 cups of the shredded white cheddar. Whisk until fully melted and smooth.
6. Stir in My Sister's Pantry Cajun Seasoning.
7. Add the cooked pasta, sausage, and peppers to the cheese sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
8. Pour into a baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and sprinkle generously with smoked paprika.
9. Bake for 15 minutes, then place under the broiler for several minutes until the cheese is golden brown. Watch it closely — it can go from perfect to burnt quickly!
10. Allow to cool slightly before serving.