Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Mac & Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese experience with our Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Mac & Cheese—a culinary masterpiece that artfully combines the savory charm of Greenridge Naturals' Mild Italian Chicken Sausage (You can also use our Black Forest Sausage for a smokier flavor) with the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese. This dish is a symphony of taste and wholesomeness, where succulent sausage and vibrant broccoli unite in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Crafted with care, each forkful reflects Greenridge Naturals' commitment to quality ingredients and exceptional taste. The Chicken Sausage & Broccoli Mac & Cheese invites you to savor the perfect balance of flavors and textures, offering a meal that's both satisfying and indulgent, capturing the essence of comfort food reimagined.
- 12 ounces boxed elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour (+ 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for best results, shred yourself)
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese (for best results, shred yourself)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 10 ounces broccoli florets
- 1 package Greenridge Naturals Mild Italian Chicken Sausage
- 3 tablespoons fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup italian style seasoned bread crumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- olive oil
Preheat oven to 375°F.
In a large pot of salted water, cook macaroni and broccoli together according to package directions for al dente.
Drain macaroni and broccoli and drizzle with olive oil. Set aside to cool while preparing cheese sauce.
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a deep saucepan.
Whisk in flour over medium heat and continue whisking for about 1 minute until it bubbles.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken stock until smooth. Continue whisking until you see bubbles. Cook for another 2 minutes, stir in salt and pepper.
Add two cups of sharp cheddar and whisk until smooth. Add another cup of sharp cheddar and the cup of gruyere, continue whisking until creamy, smooth and thick.
Add cooled macaroni, broccoli and chicken sausage and mix well.
Grease a 9″x13″ baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Pour mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.
In a small microwave safe bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter.
Add the grated parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs and paprika to the melted butter and mix until combined. Sprinkle over the top of the mac and cheese.
Bake until golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.