Cajun Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup breadcbs (for topping)

• Optional add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (sautéed)

  • 1 cup cooked chicken or shrimp (for extra protein)

  • 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese (for more spice)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (slightly firm).

   • Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Roux

   • In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.

   • Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.

3. Add Milk

   • Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, to prevent lumps.

   • Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

4. Add Cheese & Spices

   • Remove pot from heat.

   • Stir in shredded cheddar (and pepper jack, if using) until melted and creamy.

   • Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Combine Pasta & Sauce

   • Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.

6. Prepare to Bake

   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

   • Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

   • Pour in mac and cheese mixture.

7. Add Crunchy Topping

   • Sprinkle breadcbs evenly on top.

   • (Optional: mix breadcbs with 1 tbsp melted butter for extra crispiness.)

8. Bake

   • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

9. Serve & Enjoy

   • Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

   • Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

⏱️ Total Time: ~30–35 minutes
🍴 Servings: 4–6

Cajun Mac and Cheese

A creamy, spiced mac and cheese with a Cajun twist, featuring sharp cheddar cheese and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, baked until golden and bubbly.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 5 servings

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni about 2 cups dry
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk whole or 2%
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook elbow macaroni until al dente (slightly firm).
• Drain and set aside.

Make the Roux

• In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in flour and cook 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it forms a smooth paste.

Add Milk

• Slowly whisk in milk, a little at a time, to prevent lumps.
• Continue whisking until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).

Add Cheese & Spices

• Remove pot from heat.
• Stir in shredded cheddar (and pepper jack, if using) until melted and creamy.
• Season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta & Sauce

• Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated.

Prepare to Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
• Pour in mac and cheese mixture.

Add Crunchy Topping

• Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top.
• (Optional: mix breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter for extra crispiness.)

Bake

• Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Serve & Enjoy

• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Cajun seasoning if desired.

Keyword Baked Mac and Cheese, cajun mac and cheese, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Mac and Cheese