Jul 13 2026
Restaurants›Essex Restaurant›Manchego Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe

Manchego Mac 'n' Cheese Recipe

Inspired by Essex Restaurant
Time50m
Serves6

Chicken-Apple Sausage, Turkey or Tempeh Bacon

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Ingredients

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Pasta

Cheese Sauce

Protein

Toppings

Method

Cooking Pasta

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Making Cheese Sauce

  1. 2

    Prepare the Sauce

    In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook until the sauce thickens.

  2. 3

    Add Cheese

    Remove from heat and stir in the manchago and cheddar cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste.

Combining Ingredients

  1. 4

    Combine

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, sliced chicken-apple sausage, and crumbled turkey or tempeh bacon. Mix until everything is well coated.

Baking

  1. 5

    Prepare for Baking

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

  2. 6

    Add Toppings and Bake

    In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the mixture over the mac 'n' cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

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