Fancy Manchego Mac and Cheese with Chorizo
Elevate your comfort food game with this decadent Fancy Manchego Mac and Cheese with Chorizo! This Spanish-inspired twist on a classic is packed with flavor, featuring creamy Manchego and sharp cheddar cheeses melted into a luscious sauce that wraps each bite of tender elbow macaroni. Crispy, smoky chorizo adds a bold savory note, perfectly complemented by golden garlic-infused breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch. Finished with a sprinkle of paprika for a touch of warmth and color, this indulgent baked mac and cheese recipe is ready in under an hour and perfect for weeknight dinners or gourmet gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 2 cups Manchego cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 oz Chorizo sausage, diced
- 1.5 cups Breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (optional, for garnish)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chorizo until browned and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the rendered fat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Combine with the breadcrumbs and stir to coat evenly. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the flour is golden and bubbly.
Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded Manchego cheese and cheddar cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni and browned chorizo to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine well.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
After dispersing the macaroni evenly, sprinkle the top with the prepared garlic breadcrumbs. If desired, garnish with a light dusting of paprika.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your Fancy Manchego Mac and Cheese with Chorizo!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
6057 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 367.3 g | 471% | |
| Saturated Fat | 191.9 g | 960% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 901 mg | 300% | |
| Sodium | 10118 mg | 440% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 447.7 g | 163% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 59.7 g | ||
| Protein | 223.6 g | 447% | |
| Vitamin D | 9.9 mcg | 49% | |
| Calcium | 3455 mg | 266% | |
| Iron | 25.5 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 2137 mg | 45% | |
*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.
