Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions & Sausage

This mac and cheese recipe is a cozy, elevated version of the classic comfort food, made with sharp cheddar, creamy sauce, caramelized onions, and savory ground pork sausage. Ready in 30 minutes and packed with layers of flavor, it’s a rich, satisfying one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights, fall gatherings, or when you’re craving something beyond basic homemade mac and cheese. Trust me, this isn’t your average macaroni and cheese recipe’s, it’s been tested and perfected for both flavor and texture, with simple steps and everyday ingredients.

Table of Contents

• A Comfort Food Classic, Made Even Better
• Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe
• Ingredient Highlights (And Smart Substitutions)
• Variations & Customizations
• How to Make Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions & Sausage
• Storing & Reheating Leftovers
• Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
• Final Thoughts
• Let’s Connect

A Comfort Food Classic, Made Even Better

If there’s one recipe that’s always guaranteed to bring comfort and smiles to the table, it’s mac and cheese. But when I set out to create my version, I wanted it to have a little more depth. It needed to be something hearty and flavorful, but still easy enough to throw together on a weeknight.

This macaroni and cheese twist came to life when I had extra ground pork sausage in the fridge and a few onions that needed using. I caramelized the onions low and slow with a bit of olive oil and salt until they turned golden and jammy. Then I browned the sausage, made my go-to cheddar cheese sauce, and folded it all together with al dente pasta. Let me tell you — it’s rich, cozy, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

I tested and adjusted this recipe until the balance was just right: the richness of the cheese sauce, the sweetness from the onions, the spice from the sausage — all wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta. It’s become a favorite in my house, and I think it will in yours too.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe

As a lifestyle and entertaining expert, and a recipe developer for food brands, I specialize in recipes that are simple enough for everyday cooking but elevated enough to feel special. Here’s why this mac and cheese is a must-try:

• Tested and perfected for creamy texture and big flavor
• Comforting but elevated, thanks to caramelized onions and sausage
• Weeknight-friendly, ready in about 30 minutes
• Customizable for different diets and preferences
• No baking required, but you can pop it in the oven if you want a crispy top

This is more than a cheese and macaroni recipe — it’s comfort food with depth.

Ingredient Highlights (And Smart Substitutions)

Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need and why it works:

For the Onions & Sausage

• Ground pork sausage – Adds savory flavor and richness. Look for plain or Italian-style (mild or spicy).
• Onions – Thinly sliced and caramelized slowly. They add natural sweetness that balances the cheese.
• Olive oil or butter – For caramelizing; butter gives it extra depth.

For the Pasta

• Elbow macaroni – A classic choice, but short pastas like cavatappi, shells, or rigatoni work too.
• Salt – Be generous when salting the pasta water—it’s your first chance to season the dish.

For the Cheese Sauce

• Unsalted butter + all-purpose flour – Forms a basic roux to thicken the sauce.
• Oat milk + heavy cream – Oat milk keeps things light; cream adds richness. Use regular milk if preferred.
• Garlic powder + onion powder – Enhances the flavor of the sauce.
• Sharp cheddar – Melts beautifully and gives that classic cheesy flavor.

Quick Tip

Always shred your cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.

Variations & Customizations

This mac and cheese recipe is versatile, so get creative and make it your own!

• Want a baked mac version? Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheddar, and broil for 2–3 minutes.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
• Add greens: Stir in sautéed spinach or kale with the onions for extra veggies.
• Make it gluten-free: Use GF pasta and gluten-free flour for the roux.
• Dairy-free? Try a plant-based milk and vegan cheese, and skip the cream.

This is a homemade mac & cheese recipe that works year-round but really shines in the colder months when comfort food is calling.

How to Make Mac and Cheese with Caramelized Onions & Sausage

Ingredients

For the Onions & Sausage

• 1 lb pork sausage (casings removed if using links)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp sugar (optional)

For the Pasta

• 700g elbow macaroni (or similar pasta)
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Cheese Sauce

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups oat milk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ tsp garlic powder + ¼ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

For Serving

• Extra cheddar (for topping)
• Fresh parsley or chives (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat. Set aside.
2. Caramelize the onions: In the same skillet, add sliced onions, salt, and optional sugar. Cook over medium-low, stirring often, for 10–15 minutes until golden and jammy. Set aside.
3. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.
4. Make the roux: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
5. Make the sauce: Gradually whisk in oat milk and cream. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar until melted.
6. Combine: Add cooked pasta, caramelized onions, and sausage to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Serve: Spoon into bowls, top with more cheddar and chopped herbs if desired.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze this in portions, though the texture may change slightly.
• Reheat: Warm in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

Make-Ahead Tip

You can make the caramelized onions and sausage up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.

Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

• Spicy Sausage Pasta (One Pot Recipe)
• Roasted Pepper Pasta
• Easy Blue Cheese Pasta Sauce
• Cheese & Sausage Pasta Bake
• (One Pot) Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Pasta
• Easy Creamy Pumpkin and Sausage Pasta Bake
• Easy Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe

Final Thoughts

This homemade mac and cheese recipe is the perfect balance of classic comfort and modern flavor. The caramelized onions and sausage take it from simple to spectacular — and it still comes together in under 30 minutes.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress at your next potluck, this is a dish that feels comforting, satisfying, and just a little bit special. And that’s exactly how I love to cook.

If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment or tag me on social — I love seeing your takes on my recipes!

Let’s Connect

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