Name: Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: British
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 looking for a comforting dish that effortlessly combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a smoky, spicy kick, then you absolutely need to try this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that instantly became a favorite in my house because it’s super simple to make but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. I can’t wait to share the full recipe and some tips to help you nail it on your first try!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple yet flavorful: The chorizo gives this classic mac and cheese a smoky, spicy twist that’s hard to resist.
Creamy texture: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella melts perfectly for that rich, gooey sauce we all crave.
Easy to customize: You can tweak the spice level or swap out the cheese to suit your taste.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this bake always impresses.

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 cheesy pasta, smoky chorizo casserole, easy ham and cheese bake, hearty comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient here serves a purpose — from the smoky chorizo that flavors the sauce to the paprika and cayenne that add a gentle heat. When shopping, look for good-quality chorizo and sharp extra mature cheddar; they really make a difference!

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 cheesy pasta, smoky chorizo casserole, easy ham and cheese bake, hearty comfort food

Butter: Choose unsalted so you can control the seasoning better.
Chorizo: The spiced sausage is the star — I always go for Spanish chorizo for that authentic smoky flavor.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a subtle but important layer of flavor.
Plain Flour: This thickens our cheese sauce perfectly without clumps.
Milk: Whole milk gives the richest sauce, but you can use 2% if you prefer.
Extra Mature Cheddar: Sharp and flavorful for a bold, cheesy base.
Mozzarella: For that stretchy, melty texture that feels so comforting.
Smoked Paprika: It enhances the smoky notes — don’t skip it!
Cayenne Pepper: Just a little bit to add warmth and kick without overpowering.
Dijon Mustard: A secret weapon that boosts the depth of the cheese sauce.
Macaroni: Classic choice for mac and cheese; it holds the sauce nicely.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a delightfully crisp topping that contrasts the creamy base.
Parmesan: Adds salty crunch on top and rounds out the flavors.

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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 like to keep this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe flexible — which means you can easily tailor it for what you have on hand or your mood. The base is so forgiving, it invites experimentation!

Spicy Upgrade: Adding a dash more cayenne or some chopped fresh chili peppers took this from mild to fiery in one of my family dinners — everyone loved it!
Cheese Swap: Sometimes I trade mozzarella for Gruyère or smoked gouda to mix up the flavors while keeping that melty texture.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chorizo and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a smoky, meaty flavor without the meat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta, and you’re good to go without missing a beat.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—you want it as salty as the sea to season the pasta properly. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until it’s just al dente, as it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Once done, drain it well and set it aside while you prep the sauce. Don’t rinse the pasta; we want it to hold onto the cheese sauce better.

Step 2: Cook the Chorizo and Garlic

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chorizo and chopped garlic, frying for about a minute until you start to smell that delicious, smoky aroma. This part is key because the oils from the chorizo infuse the butter, flavoring the whole sauce in the next step.

Step 3: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

Stir the plain flour into the chorizo and garlic mixture, cooking for 2 minutes while constantly stirring to avoid lumps. This step cooks out the raw flour taste. Then, gradually add the milk while whisking tirelessly. You’re aiming for a smooth, thick sauce that coats the back of a wooden spoon—usually just a couple of minutes. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the grated cheddar, mozzarella, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Dijon mustard until everything melts into a luscious, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, making sure every piece is nicely coated. Spoon everything into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs mixed with parmesan on top. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and bubbly. That crispy, cheesy crust is what really elevates this dish.

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Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Leaving your macaroni slightly firm prevents it from turning mushy in the oven.
Whisk Milk Slowly: Adding milk bit by bit while whisking helps avoid lumps in the roux-based sauce.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: It melts much better than pre-shredded cheese, giving that luxuriously creamy texture.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: If you want extra crunch, briefly toast the panko before sprinkling on top – it adds incredible texture.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love topping this bake with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives when it comes out of the oven; it adds a pop of color and a bit of freshness that balances the richness. Sometimes I even add a few extra flakes of smoked paprika on top for visual appeal and a touch more smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

To lighten things up, I usually serve this with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli tossed with a bit of garlic and olive oil. If you want to keep the comfort food vibe, roasted veggies like carrots or parsnips work beautifully as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins topped with breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese for an elegant single-serving presentation. Another fun idea is to serve it alongside warm crusty bread and a sharable platter of antipasti for a Spanish-themed dinner party – the chorizo really ties the whole meal together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let the leftover chorizo mac and cheese bake cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps really well for up to 3 days, and I find the flavors taste even better the next day once everything has melded together overnight.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. Just assemble it without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a little extra time if it’s still cold from the freezer.

Reheating

I find reheating in the oven works best to keep that crispy topping intact. Pop the leftovers into a baking dish covered loosely with foil and heat at 160°C (320°F) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the texture, but if in a rush, microwave then broil for a minute to crisp up the top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage instead of chorizo?

Absolutely! While chorizo gives this dish its signature smoky, spicy flavor, you can substitute with kielbasa, andouille, or even a milder sausage—just adjust the spices accordingly.
Is this recipe very spicy?

It has a gentle heat thanks to smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, which you can easily dial up or down based on your preference. For less spice, reduce or omit the cayenne.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the plain flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Make sure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free or omit them entirely for topping.
What type of cheese works best in the Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe?

A sharp extra mature cheddar provides bold flavor, while mozzarella adds that perfect melty stretch. You can also experiment with smoked gouda or Gruyère for a twist.

Final Thoughts

This Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe is hands down one of my favorite comfort foods because it’s simple yet packed with deep flavors that everyone in my family absolutely adores. Every time I make this dish, it feels like a little celebration around the dinner table. If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and a bit spicy, give this recipe a go—you won’t regret it, and I promise it’ll become a staple in your rotation just like it did for me!