Cheesy Baked Smokies Mac & Cheese
Indulge in a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese with our Cheesy Baked Smokies Mac & Cheese! This kid-friendly dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade macaroni and cheese with savory Little Smokies sausages, creating a satisfying one-dish meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend family gathering, this dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until you're ready to bake. It’s easy to throw together and is sure to become a household favorite — a delicious way to use up those Little Smokies! Top it off with extra cheese for a gooey delight, and enjoy the smiles around the dinner table.
8
Servings
312
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni noodles
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
Little Smokies sausages
14 ounces (sautéed until heated through)
Butter
2 tablespoons (cut into small pieces for dotting)
Cheese
1 pound (grated (freshly grated preferred))
Milk
3/4 cup (used to pour over the dish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the Little Smokies until they are heated through and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4
While the smokies are cooking, grate the cheese and set aside.
5
Grease a deep baking dish to prevent sticking. A larger dish allows for more layers and will hold all the delicious ingredients.
6
Begin layering by adding a layer of cooked macaroni noodles to just cover the bottom of the dish.
7
Next, add some of the sautéed Little Smokies. Ensure even distribution throughout for balanced flavor in every bite.
8
Sprinkle a generous layer of cheese over the noodles and smokies, reserving some for the top layer.
9
Dot the top with small pieces of butter for added richness.
10
Repeat the layering process until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of cheese and the remaining butter on top.
11
Pour milk evenly over the entire dish to keep it creamy during baking. Adjust the amount of milk according to your personal preference — it should sufficiently moisten the dish without making it soggy.
12
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
14
Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy your delicious Cheesy Baked Smokies Mac & Cheese!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
27g
Carbs
19g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Smokies Mac & Cheese?
It is a creamy, kid-friendly one-dish meal that combines homemade macaroni and cheese with savory Little Smokies sausages.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are macaroni noodles, Little Smokies sausages, butter, cheese, and milk.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How much macaroni is needed?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of macaroni noodles.
How should the Little Smokies be prepared?
Sauté 14 ounces of Little Smokies in a skillet until they are heated through and lightly browned.
Why should I rinse the macaroni with cold water?
Rinsing with cold water stops the cooking process to ensure the noodles stay firm during baking.
How much cheese is required?
You will need 1 pound of grated cheese; freshly grated is preferred.
What is the purpose of the milk?
Milk is poured over the dish to keep it moist and creamy during the baking process.
How much milk should I use?
The recipe suggests 3/4 cup of milk, but you can adjust it to your personal preference.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, grease a deep baking dish to prevent the ingredients from sticking.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Start with a layer of noodles, then add smokies, sprinkle cheese, and dot with butter; repeat until all ingredients are used.
What do I do with the butter?
Cut 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and dot them throughout the layers for added richness.
How long does the dish bake covered?
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
How long does the dish bake uncovered?
After the initial 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when it is done?
The dish is ready when the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake.
What is the calorie count per serving?
There are approximately 312 calories per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 19g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying family meal that is sure to become a household favorite.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, though the recipe calls for grated cheese, you can choose your favorite variety to customize the flavor.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the cheese to set.
What kind of baking dish is recommended?
A deep baking dish is recommended to allow for more layers.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a complete and satisfying one-dish meal.
How do I ensure the smokies are evenly distributed?
Add them in layers between the noodles and cheese to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
Can I add extra cheese on top?
Yes, topping it with extra cheese provides a gooey delight.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
Does the recipe include sugar or fiber?
The nutritional information provided indicates that fiber and sugar levels are not specified.