Spicy Sausage Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• Spicy sausage (1 pound, casings removed)
• Macaroni (8 ounces)
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
• Milk (2 cups)
• Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Pepper jack cheese (1 cup, shredded)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the spicy sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the skillet.
2. While the sausage cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In the same skillet with the sausage fat, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer, about 5 minutes.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until fully melted and creamy. Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked sausage and macaroni into the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is well coated in the cheesy mixture.
7. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if desired.