Best 2 Cajun Mac And Cheese Recipes
Indulge in a tantalizing culinary journey with our delectable Cajun Mac and Cheese! This dish is an explosion of flavors, seamlessly blending the bold and spicy essence of Cajun cuisine with the comforting goodness of classic macaroni and cheese. Prepare to embark on a sensory adventure as you savor each creamy bite, infused with a symphony of Cajun spices that dance upon your palate.
Our recipe collection features a diverse range of Cajun Mac and Cheese variations, each offering a unique twist on this beloved dish. From the traditional Southern-style rendition, bursting with the vibrant flavors of paprika, cayenne, and garlic, to the audacious fusion of Mexican and Cajun influences, where chipotle peppers add a smoky heat, there's a perfect recipe for every palate.
For those seeking a healthier indulgence, our lightened-up version utilizes Greek yogurt and skim milk, creating a creamy sauce without sacrificing the rich Cajun flavors. And for those with dietary restrictions, we offer a gluten-free alternative, ensuring that everyone can partake in this culinary delight.
Let your taste buds embark on an unforgettable journey with our carefully curated Cajun Mac and Cheese recipes. They promise an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you craving more.
CAJUN SHRIMP MAC AND CHEESE
This macaroni and cheese gets elevated by the addition of shrimp. It partially cooks in the Instant Pot® and is finished in the oven. Please shred cheese yourself; if you use pre-shredded cheese, it will not be creamy.
Provided by thedailygourmet
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Shrimp
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Turn on a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®) and select Saute function. Melt butter in the pot. Add shallot and garlic; saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Hit Cancel button and allow the cooker to cool.
- Pour in pasta and stir to coat with shallot-butter sauce. Add milk and whipping cream. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 10 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
- Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, for 10 minutes. Use the quick-release method to release remaining pressure. Unlock and remove the lid.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat an 8x8-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Add evaporated milk, cooked shrimp, cheeses, seafood seasoning, and Creole seasoning to the pasta mixture; mix to thoroughly combine. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.
- Mix panko, seafood seasoning, and Creole seasoning together for the crumb topping. Mix in melted butter. Spread over casserole dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven until bubbling, about 5 minutes. Switch on the broiler and broil until top of casserole is golden brown, 2 to 4 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 508.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.1 g, Cholesterol 142.7 mg, Fat 24.3 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 14.5 g, Sodium 830.2 mg, Sugar 10.3 g
CAJUN MAC AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 1 minute less than the label directs. Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water, then drain the pasta. Meanwhile, combine the olive oil and sausage in a large skillet over high heat and cook, stirring, until the sausage starts to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the scallions and bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are slightly soft, about 3 more minutes. Add the Cajun spice and flour and cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue whisking until the sauce is thick and smooth, about 5 more minutes. Add the pasta, cheese and reserved cooking water to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook, tossing to coat the pasta in the sauce and melt the cheese, about 1 minute.
Tips:
- Use a blend of cheeses: This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor. A good combination is cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender but still has a little bit of a bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will make your mac and cheese mushy.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It will help to give your mac and cheese a smooth and creamy texture.
- Season your mac and cheese well: Don't be afraid to add plenty of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings, such as cayenne pepper, paprika, or cumin, to taste.
- Top your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs: This will give it a nice crunchy topping. You can also add other toppings, such as grated Parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, or diced tomatoes.
Conclusion:
Cajun mac and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish. It can be served as a main course or a side dish, and it can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you like it spicy or mild, cheesy or creamy, there is a Cajun mac and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy mac and cheese, give Cajun mac and cheese a try.
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