Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Recipe

Get ready to swoon: Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese is the ultimate grown-up comfort food, combining the humble coziness of creamy macaroni with an irresistibly smoky, sophisticated twist. Each bite is a symphony of flavors—velvety cheese sauce clinging to tender pasta, crowned with a golden, buttery crumb topping and studded with crispy bacon. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table pause after that first, magical forkful and immediately reach for seconds. If you’re looking to elevate your dinner or wow at your next potluck, this bold mac and cheese is pure cheesy bliss!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese so special? It’s all about simple ingredients, carefully chosen for serious flavor. Each one has a starring role, adding depth, creaminess, color, or that irresistible crunch you’ll crave in every bite.

• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and is key for both the creamy sauce and that addictive crunchy topping.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Give the casserole its light, crispy crust—so much better than regular bread crumbs!
• Bacon: Smoky and savory, bacon crumbles bring even more depth and a hint of salty chew.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty, and salty, it adds layers of flavor alongside the Gouda.
• Fresh Thyme Leaves: Just a sprinkle brightens the dish with herby freshness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works as the thickener that transforms your sauce from milky to luxurious.
• Whole Milk: The base of the sauce for unbeatable creaminess—don’t skimp on the richness here!
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and warmth, balancing the sauce’s richness.
• Salt: Essential for coaxing out every cheesy, savory note.
• Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch for warmth and complexity—it’s the secret ingredient in many classic cheese sauces.
• Ground Black Pepper: For a gentle, spicy bite.
• Cayenne Pepper: Brings just the right amount of tingle without stealing the show.
• Cream Cheese: The not-so-secret superstar for velvet-smooth, dreamy cheese sauce.
• Smoked Gouda Cheese (shredded): The namesake cheese—smoky, creamy, and the absolute heart of this dish.
• Dried Elbow Pasta: Classic, curvy elbows catch every drop of melty cheese sauce, making each bite perfect.

How to Make Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Before you start, crank your oven up to 375°F so it’s ready for action. Generously butter a 3-quart casserole dish—nothing should stick when you’re scooping out those luscious servings later. Set the dish aside as you assemble the magic.

Step 2: Build the Bacon Breadcrumb Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, crispy crumbled bacon, half the Parmesan cheese, and fresh thyme leaves. Melt 2 tablespoons butter (a quick zap in the microwave works wonders) and drizzle it over the mixture. Toss well until every crumb is coated—this will ensure a crunchy, golden topping that stays crisp and flavorful. Set your topping aside until the grand finale.

Step 3: Begin the Cheese Sauce

Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it’s hot but not boiling—this helps your sauce come together without lumps. Meanwhile, in a large high-sided skillet, melt the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter. Once it’s bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute until the mixture forms a smooth, pale roux that smells a little nutty. This is the foundation of your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Whisk and Thicken the Base

Still whisking, slowly stream in the hot milk. The sauce will transform before your eyes—keep stirring constantly so it stays smooth as it thickens and begins to bubble. Once it’s luxuriously thick, you’re ready for the star ingredients.

Step 5: Add the Cheese (and More Flavor)

Take the pan off heat, then whisk in the Dijon mustard, salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne, and cream cheese. Add three cups of the shredded smoked Gouda cheese and half the Parmesan. Stir until you have a pool of the silkiest, most aromatic cheese sauce imaginable. Set it aside—you’ll be dreaming about this cheese sauce for days.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook it for 2–3 minutes less than directed on the package—it should be barely al dente since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain well, then return the pasta to its pot.

Step 7: Combine, Top, and Bake

Pour your luscious cheese sauce over the hot pasta and stir to coat every noodle. Scoop the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining cup of smoked Gouda and the reserved bacon-breadcrumb topping. Slide your pan into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and crunchy. Let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes before serving—it’ll smell absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese

Garnishes

A little touch can elevate each serving: try a scattering of chopped fresh parsley, some extra bacon bits, or a few thyme leaves. The pop of green makes the casserole look as vibrant as it tastes, while a bit more bacon on top adds crunch and smoky aroma.

Side Dishes

This rich, creamy main shines next to lighter sides! Serve it up with a big green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette, or load your plate with roasted broccoli or sautéed asparagus. Their freshness and gentle acidity cut through the decadence for a perfectly balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins transform this crowd-pleaser into elegant dinner party fare, perfect for impressing guests. Or, try spooning the mac and cheese into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers. For a fun twist, serve mini bowls at your next game day gathering with toothpicks of extra bacon for dipping—delicious and memorable for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, scoop Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese into an airtight container as soon as it’s cooled to room temperature. It will keep well in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. While the pasta might absorb a bit of sauce as it sits, a splash of milk can bring it back to creamy perfection when reheated.

Freezing

Honestly, freezing isn’t ideal for this dish—the pasta can become a bit soft and the cheese sauce may separate or be absorbed into the noodles. If you do need to freeze, consider freezing just the cheese sauce (before combining with the pasta) for the best texture when reheated and assembled freshly.

Reheating

For best results, reheat portions gently in the oven, covered with foil, at 325°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk to keep things luxuriously creamy. For a quick fix, the microwave works too—just pause to stir every minute or so and don’t skip that extra splash of milk to revive the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese, any small, tubular shape like shells, cavatappi, or penne will hold the cheesy sauce beautifully.

How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Simple—just leave out the bacon from both the breadcrumb topping and the casserole itself. The dish is still incredibly flavorful thanks to the smoked Gouda and Parmesan. You can even add some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.

Can I prepare Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the dish (stop before baking), cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold so everything heats through and the top gets nicely golden.

What if I can’t find smoked Gouda?

You can substitute regular Gouda and add a few drops of liquid smoke for a similar vibe. Smoked cheddar or provolone are also great alternatives, each lending their own unique flair to the mac and cheese.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not really—the touch of cayenne provides a background warmth rather than serious heat. If you love spice, add a pinch more cayenne or finish with hot sauce at the table.

Final Thoughts

Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese is the kind of comfort food that makes any meal feel special and brings everyone back for seconds (and thirds!). If you’re ready to fall in love with mac and cheese all over again, gather your cheese, pile on the bacon, and dive into this creamy, smoky dream. Few dishes say “home” like this one—give it a try and let it become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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