If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, this Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is an absolute must-try. It takes the classic creamy mac and cheese you love and kicks it up a notch with a spicy Cajun twist, creating layers of cheesy goodness with just the right hint of heat. The combination of sharp cheddar, tangy sour cream, and a blend of seasonings delivers a velvety, indulgent taste that’s both cozy and exciting, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the perfect balance of creaminess, texture, and that smoky Cajun punch. Each element plays its role in making this dish irresistible from the first bite to the last.
- 2 cups elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and offers a delightful, tender bite every time.
- 8-ounce package shredded cheddar cheese: For that gooey, sharp, and rich cheese flavor that’s the backbone of mac and cheese.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and a delicate texture to keep the sauce smooth but not heavy.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and silkiness to the mixture, balancing richness perfectly.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens the sauce while ensuring the cheese melts evenly.
- 1 egg (beaten): Helps bind everything together, giving a firm yet tender bake.
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning: Infuses the dish with warm, smoky spices that elevate the comfort food to something truly special.
- 1 tsp paprika: A final sprinkle for color and a subtle smoky flavor on top.
How to Make Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure your mac and cheese won’t stick. This step sets the stage for a perfect bake.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions just until tender – not mushy. Drain well so that it won’t dilute your cheesy sauce, ensuring every bite is rich and creamy.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, beaten egg, and the Cajun seasoning. This blend is the heart of the Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe, creating that luscious, spicy cheese sauce we all dream about.
Step 4: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Mixture
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently stir to coat every piece with the cheesy, spiced mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture just right!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer everything to your prepared baking dish, sprinkle the top with paprika for a touch of vibrant color, then cover with greased aluminum foil. Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. This two-step baking process ensures a beautifully baked crust and a creamy inside.
How to Serve Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or a sprinkle of fresh parsley can add a lovely pop of color and a fresh, crisp bite that brightens up the richness of this mac and cheese. For an extra kick, a few sliced jalapeños top the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables, which balance its richness and provide texture contrast. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or blackened shrimp complement the Cajun flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this mac and cheese in mini cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins for a cozy, rustic feel that’s great for dinner parties. You can also layer it with crispy bacon bits and extra cheese for an indulgent twist, or top it with toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Place the baked mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in shorter intervals, stirring occasionally to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can mix in mozzarella for stretchiness or pepper jack for extra spice. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep your mac and cheese creamy.
How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this recipe?
The 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning add a warm, flavorful kick without overpowering the dish. If you prefer more heat, you can always increase the amount or add hot sauce to taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that your Cajun seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep things safe.
Is it okay to use low-fat dairy products?
Yes, using low-fat options will work, but keep in mind the dish might be slightly less creamy. For best results, balance lower-fat dairy with full-fat cheddar or add a little extra cheese for richness.
Can I prepare the mac and cheese mixture ahead of time?
You can mix all the ingredients and refrigerate the mixture for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking and perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe is not only a comfort food staple but also a flavorful celebration of cheesy goodness with a spicy twist. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next meal—it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to dishes when you want something hearty, delicious, and downright satisfying.
Print
Creamy Cajun Baked Mac & Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful Mac & Cheese recipe features tender elbow macaroni baked in a rich mixture of cheddar, cottage cheese, sour cream, and spices. Perfectly seasoned with Cajun seasoning and paprika, this classic comfort dish is baked to golden, bubbly perfection, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Cheese & Dairy
- 8 oz package shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 egg (beaten)
Seasoning
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just tender. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, milk, beaten egg, and Cajun seasoning. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and stir gently to evenly coat all the pasta.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with paprika for added color and flavor.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with greased aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and has a golden top.
- Serve: Let it rest slightly before serving for best texture and flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- Make sure to not overcook the macaroni to avoid a mushy texture after baking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch more Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
- For a crispier top, you can sprinkle breadcrumbs along with the paprika before baking uncovered.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add additional baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
