Name: Mac & Cheese with Sausage Meatballs
Cook time: P0Y0M0DT0H35M0.000S
Total time: P0Y0M0DT0H35M0.000S
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Kosher salt; 12 ounces cavatappi or other corkscrew pasta; 1 cup crushed cheese crackers; 2 1/4 cups whole milk; 10 ounces bulk sweet Italian sausage; 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cut into 1/2-inch cubes; 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425˚ F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Reserve the pot.
Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers and 1/4 cup milk in a medium bowl; let sit until slightly softened, about 10 minutes. Add the sausage and 2 tablespoons Parmesan and mix well to combine. Form the sausage mixture into 1-inch meatballs (about 28); arrange on the prepared pan. Bake until golden and cooked through, 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the flour and the remaining 2 cups milk to the reserved pot and whisk until smooth. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and cook, whisking, until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the cheddar and processed cheese and stir until smooth. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon salt and the mustard.
Add the pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Add the meatballs and stir to coat; thin with the remaining 1/4 cup cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.
Combine the remaining 1/2 cup crushed cheese crackers and 1 tablespoon Parmesan in a small bowl. Divide the mac and cheese among bowls and sprinkle with the cracker mixture.

Photograph by Ralph Smith

Mac & Cheese with Sausage Meatballs

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