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Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Recipe

Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Recipe

5.2 from 7 reviews

This smoked gouda mac and cheese recipe features tender al dente pasta in a super creamy, velvety cheese sauce, topped with a buttery, crunchy crumb topping. It’s a sophisticated twist on a classic comfort dish that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crumb Topping:

  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • 8 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded – divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 5 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 4 cups smoked Gouda cheese, shredded – divided
  • 1 pound Dried Elbow Pasta

Instructions

  1. For the Crumb Topping: Combine bread crumbs, bacon, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and thyme in a bowl. Mix in melted butter and set aside.
  2. For the Cheese Sauce: Heat milk in a saucepan. Melt butter in a skillet, add flour, then slowly whisk in hot milk. Add mustard, salt, nutmeg, peppers, cream cheese, 3 cups Gouda, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Set aside.
  3. Cook pasta until slightly underdone. Drain, return to pot, pour cheese sauce over, and mix.
  4. Pour mixture into a baking dish, top with remaining Gouda and crumb topping. Bake until browned.

Notes

  • Cook pasta properly by using salted water and avoiding adding oil.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-5 days; stir in extra milk to maintain creaminess.
  • Avoid freezing as the texture may change.
  • Make-ahead by preparing the sauce a day before assembling.

Nutrition

Keywords: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food