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 tablespoons Parmesan, grated

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 67 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food with a bit of a spicy twist, this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with those smoky chorizo flavors that take classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Flavor Boost: Chorizo infuses the dish with smoky, spicy goodness that transforms a familiar favorite.
Creamy and Comforting: The cheese sauce is luxuriously creamy, with a perfect balance of cheddar and mozzarella.
Easy to Make: Despite the gourmet vibes, it comes together quickly and easily for any weeknight meal.
Great Crowd-Pleaser: I’ve served this at family dinners and everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe)!

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, cheesy chorizo pasta bake, comforting baked pasta, easy chorizo pasta recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe, the ingredients all work together to create layers of flavor and creamy, cheesy texture you’ll fall in love with. A few simple pantry staples and some smoky chorizo make all the 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 mac and cheese, cheesy chorizo pasta bake, comforting baked pasta, easy chorizo pasta recipes

Butter: Helps create that smooth, rich cheese sauce base.
Chorizo: The star of the show! Adds smoky, spicy flavor and a bit of grease that enriches the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Brings gentle pungency to balance the chorizo’s spice.
Plain flour: Thickens the sauce into a luscious, velvety texture.
Milk: The creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.
Extra mature cheddar: Sharp and flavorful, melts beautifully for that classic mac and cheese taste.
Mozzarella: Adds gooey meltiness and creaminess.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky notes from the chorizo and deepens flavor.
Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for gentle heat without overwhelming.
Dijon mustard: A secret ingredient that gives depth and brightness.
Macaroni: Perfect pasta shape that holds sauce well and bakes up nicely.
Panko breadcrumbs: Light and crunchy topping for a golden finish.
Parmesan: Adds salty, nutty flavor to the topping and helps it crisp up.

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 switch up this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe depending on the mood or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it your own — that’s the beauty of this dish!

Vegetarian twist: I’ve tried substituting chorizo with smoked paprika and sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free but smoky flavor.
Extra kick: Adding more cayenne or some diced jalapeños gives this bake a fiery punch that my spice-loving friends adore.
Cheese swaps: Sometimes I add a handful of pepper jack or use gruyere for a nuttier, richer sauce.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and pasta to keep everyone happy and safe.

How to Make Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni just until it’s al dente—not mushy! This usually follows the packet instructions, but I like to check a minute early so it keeps some bite once baked. Drain your pasta and set it aside while you prepare your sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chorizo and Garlic

In a large pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced chorizo and chopped garlic, frying them just until the chorizo starts to release its oils—about a minute. This step is crucial because those oils carry the smoky flavor and infuse the dish beautifully. Don’t overcook or the garlic will burn and get bitter.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next, stir in the flour and cook it for about two minutes. This gets rid of the raw taste and helps your sauce thicken properly. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Turn the heat up slightly and whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon—usually a couple of minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in your grated cheddar, mozzarella, smoked paprika, cayenne, and Dijon mustard. The cheese melts into this velvety sauce with the smoky and spicy notes perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour your cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and give it a good stir to coat every piece. Spoon the cheesy noodles into an ovenproof dish, then sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs and parmesan evenly on top. The topping adds a scrumptious golden crunch after baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. I love how the crispy topping melds with the creamy inside—it’s absolute comfort on a plate.

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Pro Tips for Making Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Don’t Rush the Roux: Letting the flour cook in the butter before adding milk avoids a raw flour taste and ensures your sauce is silky.
Macaroni Timing: Cooking the pasta just shy of done prevents it from turning mushy once baked—your future self will thank you!
Cheese Quality Matters: Using a good mature cheddar and real mozzarella melts into a sauce with unbeatable flavor and texture.
Crunchy Topping Trick: Mixing parmesan with panko gives you that addictive crispy crust that contrasts the creamy base beautifully.

How to Serve Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I often sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top right before serving to add a fresh, herby pop that cuts through the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice just before plating can also brighten up the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich, so I like to serve it alongside something light and crisp like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal veggies. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans works beautifully to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve baked individual portions in small ramekins — perfect for personalized servings and a charming presentation. You could also try topping it with a fried egg or crispy bacon bits for an indulgent brunch twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats wonderfully, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort food for busy nights.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this bake. I recommend dividing it into individual portions and wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before freezing. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 175°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes; this helps keep the topping crisp. Alternatively, microwave it covered to retain moisture, but you might lose some of that crunchy crust.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chorizo for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both Spanish chorizo and Mexican chorizo can work, but keep in mind their seasoning varies—Spanish is usually cured and sliced, while Mexican is fresh and crumbly. You might need to adjust cooking time or seasoning depending on which you choose.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chorizo and consider adding smoked paprika, sautéed mushrooms, or smoked tofu to replicate the smoky depth. The cheese sauce remains deliciously creamy without the meat.
Can I prepare part of the recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce in advance, then combine and bake right before serving. Storing the components separately avoids sogginess and keeps everything fresh.
What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

A mix of panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese sprinkled on top before baking gives a golden, crunchy crust that balances the creamy interior beautifully. Broiling for the last 2-3 minutes can also help crisp it up if needed.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Chorizo Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe turns out every time—it’s cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. When I first tried this, I didn’t expect such a smoky, rich bite in a classic comfort food, and now it’s my go-to for a quick crowd-pleaser. If you want to impress your family or just treat yourself on a chill evening, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!