Smoked Sausage & Beer Cheese Mac with Crispy Fried Onions

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food with a kick? honestly, who doesn't? today, we're diving into the world of smoked sausage recipes with a dish that's guaranteed to become a new family favourite: smoked sausage & beer cheese mac with crispy fried onions.

This recipe is my take on a classic, and it's perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something hearty and satisfying.

This dish is pure indulgence with a twist! We are talking about cheesy heaven, smoky sausage and crunchy fried onions, all in one.

Smoked Sausage Recipes: Not Your Nan's Mac & Cheese

This recipe is a total game changer. it elevates the humble macaroni cheese. originating from the comfort food traditions, it's amped up.

The addition of smoked sausage and beer cheese brings it to a whole new level. the crispy fried onions? those are just the cherry on top.

This recipe sits in the "medium" difficulty range. budget about 1 hour 15 minutes from start to finish. it yields about 6 generous servings.

Perfect for a family gathering food or a casual get-together with mates.

Get Your BBQ On with BBQ Smoked Sausage Recipes

What makes this recipe truly special? The smoked sausage , of course!

It's a fantastic source of protein. it also adds a layer of smoky depth to the creamy mac. plus, it's the ideal dish for a summer barbecue food feast.

Imagine serving this up alongside some ribs and coleslaw. absolute perfection.

And hey, if you are out camping, this recipe also works great as one of the smoked sausage camping recipes !. Next up, we are looking at the ingredients.

Right then, let's talk ingredients for this champion of a dish! this smoked sausage & beer cheese mac with crispy fried onions is all about flavour, so we gotta get it right.

Perfect for those family gathering food moments, or just when you fancy a bit of summer barbecue food when the weather plays ball! honestly, this'll knock your socks off!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Down to Business!

Alright, here's the kit and caboodle you'll need.

Main Ingredients Breakdown

• Crispy Fried Onions:

  • 2 medium yellow onions, sliced thin (about 300g / 10.5 oz ). Quality? Firm, no bruises.
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour ( 60g / 2.1 oz )
  • 1 tsp salt ( 6g / 0.2 oz )
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper ( 3g / 0.1 oz )
  • 2 cups vegetable oil for frying ( 480ml / 16 fl oz ). Get a neutral oil, yeah?

• Smoked Sausage Goodness:

  • 1.5 lbs smoked sausage (around 680g ), like Andouille, Kielbasa. I usually grab whatever looks best from the butcher go with your gut! Sliced into 1/2 inch rounds, mind.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15ml / 0.5 fl oz )
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (approx. 150g / 5.3 oz )

• Beer Cheese Mac Majesty:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni ( 454g / 16 oz ).
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter ( 85g / 3 oz ).
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ( 30g / 1 oz ).
  • 3 cups whole milk ( 720ml / 24 fl oz ).
  • 1 cup good beer ( 8 fl oz ) - Pale Ale works a treat, but lager is fine too.
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard ( 10ml / 0.34 fl oz ).
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder ( 3g / 0.1 oz ).
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ( 1g / 0.04 oz ) (optional, if you like a kick).
  • 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (approx. 340g / 12 oz ).
  • 4 oz Gruyere cheese, shredded (approx. 115g / 4 oz ).
  • Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Secrets

This ain't just cheese and pasta, see?

• Essential spice combo: Garlic powder, mustard, and cayenne. Adds that oomph .
• Flavour Enhancers: A good beer really brings out the cheddar. I remember using a stout once... bit too strong, honestly.
• Quick Sub Options: No Gruyere? Use Swiss, it's still banging.

Equipment Essentials

Right, what tools do you need?

• Big pot for pasta, obviously.
• Large skillet or Dutch oven for the sauce and sausage.
• Deep fryer or large pot for those onions.
• Slotted spoon or spider.
• Mixing bowls.
• Cheese grater. I use the box grater, nice and easy.

These smoked sausage recipes are made even better with the correct gear! don't forget about all those bbq smoked sausage recipes that you can find online.

This recipe can even be part of your next smoked sausage camping recipes moment!. a bbq sausage bites crock pot recipe is also a great option.

Another great variation is creating bbq smoked sausage bites as finger food. did you know that easy grilling recipes are perfect for those summer evenings?

Alright, let's dive into this Smoked Sausage & Beer Cheese Mac with Crispy Fried Onions recipe. Honestly, this isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl.

Cooking Method: Building a Bangin' Mac & Cheese

We're not just boiling pasta. we are building flavor layers. this is more than your average mac and cheese. this is a family gathering food superstar.

You'll be the talk of the summer barbecue food spread.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, the mise en place . it sounds fancy but just means "everything in its place". chop those two yellow onions (300g / 10.

5 oz) thinly for our awesome crispy fried onions. dice another onion (150g / 5.3 oz) for the sausage bit.

Grate 12 oz of sharp cheddar and 4 oz of gruyere. finally, slice your 1.5 lbs of smoked sausage (that's about 680g, mates!).

For a time saving tip, prep the onions ahead of time. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Also, safety first, especially when frying. Keep a close eye on that hot oil.

step-by-step Process: Let's Get Cooking!

Here's where the magic happens, follow my Smoked Sausage Recipes:

1. Fry the onions: toss the sliced onions with 1/2 cup of flour, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of pepper.

   Fry in 2 cups of oil until golden and crispy. drain on paper towels.

2. Sauté the sausage: Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. Sauté the diced onion until soft. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides.

3. Boil the pasta: Cook 1 lb of elbow macaroni until al dente . Drain it. You know?

4. Make the cheese sauce: melt 6 tbsp of butter. whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute .

   Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of beer. simmer until thickened. stir in 2 tsp of dijon, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, and 1/4 tsp of cayenne (if you're feeling brave).

   Reduce the heat. stir in the cheddar and gruyere until melted and smooth. season to taste.

5. Combine! Add the pasta and sausage to the beer cheese sauce. Toss well.

6. Serve it up and add your gorgeous golden crisp fried onions on top!

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Mac

Honestly, using good beer makes all the difference. Try a Pale Ale or Lager, use a lighter lager for a less pronounced flavour. Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente is key!

A common mistake? burning the flour when making the cheese sauce. keep the heat low and stir constantly. you could even check out other bbq smoked sausage recipes or smoked sausage camping recipes for more inspiration.

Also, for those camping trips, it can be a bbq sausage bites crock pot recipe for a crowd!

For those evenings you want something hearty, there’s nothing that matches Venison Summer Sausage Recipe Smoked to accompany!

Plus, you can make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. just reheat it before serving.

Easy grilling recipes are great and all, but this is proper comfort food.

Right, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs about this belter of a recipe. It's not just about the cooking, it's about the experience , innit?

Recipe Notes

Serving Suggestions

Think about your presentation, yeah? Honestly, chucking it in a bowl is fine, but why not elevate it?

A nice, warm bowl. A sprig of parsley or chives on top. Bit of paprika dust. Boom! Restaurant quality.

Or, for a proper family gathering food situation, think about serving it family style in a big casserole dish. Everyone can dig in. Sides? A crisp green salad is mint.

Some steamed broccoli works a treat too. And a crisp lager or a pale ale ? Perfect combo.

Storage Tips

Right, leftover mac and cheese. What do we do?

First things first: Refrigeration is key . Get it in an airtight container, and it’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Don't leave it out too long, yeah?

Freezing? tricky one. it can get a bit... gloopy. but if you have to, freeze it in portions. reheat it gently in a saucepan with a splash of milk.

Don't expect it to be exactly the same, mind.

Reheating? Best in a saucepan on low heat, stirring regularly. Microwave works in a pinch, but be careful not to dry it out.

Variations

Fancy a bit of a tweak? Course you do!

Dietary adaptations? go gluten-free. use gluten-free pasta and flour. easy peasy. or try a vegetarian version. ditch the sausage and add some roasted veg.

Bell peppers, courgette, mushrooms whatever takes your fancy.

Seasonal? Use whatever sausage is good in the moment. Venison Summer Sausage Recipe Smoked, perfect for summer barbecue food.

Nutrition Basics

Look, I'm not a dietician, alright? But let's be honest. This is comfort food . It's not exactly a salad.

But, it's got protein. it's got carbs. it's got cheese and cheese is basically a food group, right? this recipe is very good for those bbq sausage bites crock pot, and bbq smoked sausage bites.

So enjoy it, yeah? Everything in moderation and if you want Easy Grilling Recipes this is the one.

Alright then! Get cooking and get stuck in. Honestly, give it a go and let me know how it turns out. I bet you'll love it.

And remember, cooking should be fun! Don't stress if it's not perfect . Just enjoy the process. Cheers!