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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Bacon Easy and Best

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A creamy mac and cheese with a smoky twist from smoked Gouda and a crispy bacon crunch, perfect for quick, comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite small pasta shape
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 grams)
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed (720 ml)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120 ml)
  • 3 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese (about 12 ounces or 340 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces or 115 grams)
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (60 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces elbow macaroni and cook for about 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pan.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until golden and fragrant.
  4. Slowly pour in 3 cups warmed whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in 3 cups shredded smoked Gouda and 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar until melted and smooth. Add mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Add cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat evenly.
  7. In the skillet with reserved bacon fat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Toast over medium heat until golden and crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
  8. Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Warm the milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat for extra smoky flavor and crunch. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For vegetarian, omit bacon and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked Gouda, bacon, creamy, comfort food, easy recipe, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-easy-and-best/