Illinois

Deep Dish Mac and Cheese

Inspired by Chicago's iconic deep dish pizza, this Illinois mac and cheese is baked in a deep dish with layers of Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and a chunky tomato sauce on top - just like the real thing.

⏱1 hr 🍴Serves 8 Medium

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook rigatoni until al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet, breaking into crumbles. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Gradually add milk, whisking until thick.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in mozzarella, provolone, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
  5. Layer half the pasta in a deep 9x13 baking dish. Top with sausage, then remaining pasta, then cheese sauce.
  6. Mix crushed tomatoes with garlic and spread over the top (like deep dish pizza!).
  7. Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbling.
  8. Let rest 10 minutes, then garnish with fresh basil and serve.

Pro Tips

  • Use a deep baking dish - the layers are what make this "deep dish" style authentic.
  • San Marzano tomatoes are the Chicago pizza standard - their sweetness balances the cheese perfectly.
  • Hot Italian sausage with fennel seeds captures the classic Chicago flavor profile.
  • Just like real deep dish, this needs time to set - don't skip the resting period!