Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Sausage and Cherry Tomatoes

This Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Sausage and Cherry Tomatoes is a comforting dish that combines the richness of a homemade cheese sauce with the savory flavors of fried sausages and sweet cherry tomatoes. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this baked pasta dish is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying.

Preparation Time

  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 40 minutes
  • Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

  • 300g (10 ounces) macaroni
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling the pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 sausages (100-150g), sliced
  • 200g (7 ounces) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 40g (3 tablespoons) butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 500 ml (17 fluid ounces) milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt (for the sauce)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 120g (4.2 ounces) cheddar cheese, shredded

Directions

  1. Cook the macaroni:
    • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
    • Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Fry the onions and sausages:
    • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fry for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
    • Add the sliced sausages to the pan and fry for another 5 minutes until the sausages are browned.
  3. Prepare the cheese sauce:
    • In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir constantly for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux (until it turns golden).
    • Gradually pour in the milk while stirring to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
    • Add 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Assemble the dish:
    • Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F).
    • In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni at the bottom.
    • Pour the sausage, onion, and cherry tomatoes over the pasta, spreading evenly.
    • Add the remaining macaroni on top and pour the cheese sauce over everything, making sure it’s well mixed and coated.
  5. Bake the macaroni:
    • Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve:
    • Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for extra flavor.
  • Pair with garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience.
  • Serve with roasted vegetables for added nutrients.
  • Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or lemonade.

Cooking Tips

  • Cook the macaroni slightly al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • For extra flavor, add minced garlic to the onions while frying.
  • Use any type of sausages you prefer—smoked, spicy, or chicken sausages all work well.
  • You can substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor.
  • If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Macaroni: Provides carbohydrates, giving energy.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, supporting bone health.
  • Sausages: A good source of protein.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: High in vitamins A and C, contributing to immune health.
  • Milk: A good source of calcium and vitamin D.

Dietary Information

  • Vegetarian option: Replace sausages with vegetarian sausages or skip them altogether.
  • Gluten-Free option: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for the sauce.
  • High Protein: The combination of cheese, sausages, and milk provides a good amount of protein.
  • High in Calcium: Thanks to the cheddar cheese and milk.
  • Nut-Free: Suitable for those with nut allergies.

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fat: 19g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Calcium: 250mg

Storage

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting: The combination of creamy cheese sauce and savory sausage is irresistible.
  2. Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and ingredients you likely already have at home.
  3. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this cheesy baked pasta dish.
  4. Versatile: You can switch up the ingredients based on what’s available.
  5. Great for Leftovers: Perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Macaroni with Sausage and Cherry Tomatoes is a hearty, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheddar sauce combined with the savory sausage and sweet tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or simply enjoying on a cozy evening at home. With its simple ingredients and straightforward process, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
    Yes, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.
  2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to serve, bake it as instructed.
  3. Can I use other types of cheese?
    Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan, depending on your preference.
  4. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
    Yes, adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would work great and add extra nutrition.
  5. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
    Omit the sausages or use plant-based sausages to make it vegetarian-friendly.