Name: Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 50 g Butter; 175 g Chorizo, sliced; 2 Garlic Cloves, chopped; 50 g Plain Flour; 600 ml Milk; 200 g Extra Mature Cheddar, grated; 100 g Block Mozzarella, grated; 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika; ¼ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper; 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard; 250 g Macaroni; 25 g Panko Breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoon Parmesan, grated

If you’re craving a comfort food upgrade with a spicy, smoky kick, this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how the creamy cheese sauce pairs with that bold chorizo flavor, making it irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or just want to treat yourself, this recipe comes together quickly and always wows the crowd. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to help you nail this fan-freaking-tastic dish.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Flavorful: The chorizo infuses the creamy cheese sauce with smoky spices that make every bite exciting.
Simple and Quick: You can have this delicious bake ready in just about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly Comfort: Even picky eaters love the cheesy goodness with a subtle spicy twist.
Great for Leftovers: This bake reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or easy next-day lunches.

A white bowl with a light geometric pattern and orange rim holds a serving of baked macaroni and cheese topped with a golden breadcrumb crust with some browned spots. The macaroni pasta under the crust is creamy and orange, with small pieces of browned bacon or ham mixed inside. To the right side of the bowl is a small fresh salad of mixed green leaves, some dark purple and others bright green with curly texture. A silver fork rests on the left edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a blue and white checkered cloth over a white marbled surface. In the bottom left corner, part of a white round baking dish filled with more macaroni and cheese is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake, spicy mac and cheese recipe, creamy cheese and chorizo casserole, easy comfort food recipes, smoky chorizo pasta bake

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve picked ingredients that balance each other perfectly—the chorizo brings in spice and fat to enrich the sauce, while the combo of cheddar and mozzarella gives a creamy, melty texture. Grab the smoked paprika and cayenne if you want those deep, smoky layers, and don’t rush on the mustard—it really lifts those flavors.

Flat lay of fresh sliced chorizo rounds, two whole uncracked brown eggs, two peeled garlic cloves chopped, a small white ceramic bowl with plain flour, a small white ceramic bowl filled with milk, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated extra mature cheddar, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded block mozzarella, a small white ceramic bowl containing smoked paprika powder, a small white ceramic bowl with cayenne pepper powder, a small white ceramic bowl with Dijon mustard, uncooked macaroni pasta laid neatly, a small white ceramic bowl of panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with grated Parmesan cheese, a small chunk of butter on a white ceramic dish, arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, all fresh and natural, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake, spicy mac and cheese recipe, creamy cheese and chorizo casserole, easy comfort food recipes, smoky chorizo pasta bake

Butter: Choose unsalted so you control the saltiness of the dish.
Chorizo: Go for a good-quality sliced chorizo that’s packed with smoky, spicy flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh is best—don’t skip these, they add an awesome aromatic base.
Plain Flour: This thickens your cheese sauce, so measure carefully for a smooth texture.
Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy; you can try semi-skimmed but it’ll be less rich.
Extra Mature Cheddar: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce a strong cheesy punch.
Mozzarella: Adds gooey stretch and creamy softness to balance the cheddar.
Smoked Paprika: This is key for that subtle smoky layer that complements the chorizo.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust according to your heat tolerance for a gentle kick.
Dijon Mustard: Small but mighty—lifts the flavors and deepens the sauce.
Macaroni: Classic elbow macaroni holds the sauce well and bakes evenly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create the perfect golden, crispy topping.
Parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty crunch on top when baked.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up sometimes! This recipe is really flexible, so feel free to customize it to suit what you have or your dietary needs—you can easily play around with the cheese, protein, or spice level.

Protein Swap: If you prefer something milder, try smoked sausage or turkey chorizo—it’s still flavorful but less spicy.
Vegan Version: Use vegan cheese and plant-based chorizo, along with a dairy-free milk alternative for a compassionate twist.
Extra Veggies: Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach to sneak in some greens and make it a little lighter.
Spice Level: Boost the cayenne or toss in some chili flakes if you want more heat—just be careful not to overpower the cheesy goodness.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. You’ll want to cook the macaroni just until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite—and then drain it well. Trust me, this helps the noodles keep their shape and texture during baking. I like to set the pasta aside in a colander to let any extra moisture drain off completely, so the sauce doesn’t get watery later on.

Step 2: Build the Flavor with Chorizo and Garlic

While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a large pan. Toss in the sliced chorizo and chopped garlic. Stir for about a minute—this releases those beautiful oils from the chorizo that infuse the base of your sauce. You’ll already start smelling those lovely smoky, spicy aromas filling your kitchen here.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next, stir in the plain flour and cook for two minutes, stirring constantly. This step is crucial—it cooks off the raw flour taste and thickens the sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, turning up the heat just a bit until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Don’t rush this part; a thick, velvety base makes all the difference in a great mac and cheese.

Now, take the sauce off the heat and stir in your grated cheddar, mozzarella, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts fully into the sauce creating a smooth, luscious mixture. The combination of cheeses here gives you that perfect stringy, tangy, and rich flavor that makes you want to double dip your spoon.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake to Golden Perfection

Mix your cooked macaroni into the cheesy sauce until every noodle is coated. Spoon it all into an ovenproof dish in an even layer. Then sprinkle over the crunchy panko breadcrumbs and the nutty grated Parmesan—they create a crispy top layer that’s just divine.

Bake in your preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, until golden and bubbling. When you see those edges bubbling and the top beautifully browned, you know it’s ready to come out. I always let mine rest for a few minutes before serving so that luscious sauce can thicken slightly and set.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Butter Quality Matters: Using good quality unsalted butter gives the sauce a richer taste and lets the chorizo shine through.
Don’t Skip the Roux Cook Time: Cooking the flour in butter for the full 2 minutes prevents any grainy flour taste in your sauce.
Cheese Blend Is Key: I’ve found mixing extra mature cheddar with mozzarella gives both sharpness and perfect melty texture — don’t substitute just one type.
Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a better crispy topping than regular ones; they toast up lighter and more evenly in the oven.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a bit of color and brightness. A drizzle of hot sauce or a few flakes of chili on top also work if you’re like me and enjoy an extra kick. For some richness, a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche can balance out the smoky heat beautifully.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese bake pairs perfectly with a crisp, fresh green salad—something light to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts work amazingly too, and for something a bit heartier, garlic bread or warm crusty rolls round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets—everyone gets their own bubbly, crispy-topped portion. You can also add a swirl of chili oil or a sprinkle of smoked sea salt right before serving to elevate the flavors and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers covered tightly in an airtight container in the fridge and always try to eat them within 2-3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, and reheated mac and cheese is almost as good as fresh when done right.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I portion it out into freezer-safe containers after baking, then freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The cheese sauce might separate a bit after thawing, but whisking during reheating smooths it right out.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 175°C (350°F) covered with foil to retain moisture for about 15-20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—add a splash of milk and stir occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked or cured chorizo for this recipe?

Absolutely! Sliced cured chorizo works best because it easily releases its smoky oils during cooking, which flavors the entire dish. Avoid raw chorizo sausage unless you fully cook it first before adding to the sauce.
What can I substitute if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

If panko isn’t available, regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but they won’t be quite as crispy or light. You can also try crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers for a different but delicious crunchy topping.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to make the roux, and double-check that your chorizo and breadcrumbs are gluten-free. There are plenty of gluten-free panko-style breadcrumbs available in many stores now.
How spicy is the Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe?

The heat level depends on your chorizo brand and how much cayenne pepper you add. The recipe has just enough spice to warm your palate without overwhelming, but you can adjust the cayenne up or down to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

I discovered this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe a few years ago when I wanted to jazz up a classic comfort food, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s one of those meals that not only satisfies hungry tummies but also makes the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks. I hope you enjoy making it as much as my family and I do—it’s cozy, flavorful, and just downright delicious. Give it a go, and I bet you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!