Slice and fry smoked sausage Prepare pasta… I use 3 packs of Knorrs or 2 boxes
mac & cheese
Steam broccoli
Mix everything together and top with shredded
cheese.
Enjoy

Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac & Cheese Bake

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) smoked sausage, sliced and fried
• 3 packs of Knorr’s mac & cheese mix or 2 boxes of your favorite macaroni and cheese
• 1 pound (450g) broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your choice)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Water for boiling pasta

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mac & Cheese:
   • Cook the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Slice and Fry Smoked Sausage:
   • Slice the smoked sausage into rounds.
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
   • Add the sliced smoked sausage to the skillet and fry until they are browned and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Steam Broccoli:
   • While the mac & cheese is cooking, steam the broccoli until it’s tender yet still slightly crisp. You can steam it on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe dish with a little water, covered, until tender. Drain any excess water.
4. Combine Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked mac & cheese, fried smoked sausage, and steamed broccoli. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
5. Season and Mix:
   • Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients. The smoked sausage will add a lot of flavor, so be mindful of the salt you add.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Top with Shredded Cheese:
   • Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the macaroni mixture. The cheese will melt and create a delicious golden crust.
8. Bake:
   • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden brown.
9. Serve:
   • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out portions onto plates or bowls and enjoy your delicious smoked sausage and broccoli mac & cheese bake!

Q1: Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe? A1: Yes, you can use different types of sausage based on your preference. Smoked sausage works well, but you can also try spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage alternatives for a different flavor profile.

Q2: Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen? A2: Absolutely! You can use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch it until it’s tender before adding it to the macaroni mixture.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time and bake it later? A3: Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, then bake as directed in the recipe.

Q4: How do I reheat leftovers of this dish? A4: To reheat leftovers, you can place individual portions in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat larger portions in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated all the way through, usually about 15-20 minutes.

Q5: Can I freeze Smoked Sausage and Broccoli Mac & Cheese Bake? A5: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for later consumption. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. To reheat from frozen, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, which may take longer than if it’s thawed.

Q6: Can I customize the type of cheese used for the topping? A6: Certainly! You can customize the cheese topping based on your taste preferences. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of different cheeses can work well. Experimenting with different cheeses can add unique flavors to your dish.

Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A7: Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free macaroni and cheese mix and ensuring the sausage you choose is gluten-free. There are also gluten-free pasta options available that you can use as a substitute.