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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Bacon Breadcrumbs

smoked gouda mac and cheese - featured image
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A creamy, smoky mac and cheese made with smoked gouda and sharp cheddar, topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for a perfect comfort meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 8 ounces smoked gouda, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped finely
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon fat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water if needed.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until bubbling and golden but not browned.
  3. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually add shredded smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  5. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Transfer mixture to an 8×8 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  6. In a small skillet, heat olive oil or bacon fat over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and chopped bacon. Stir frequently until breadcrumbs are golden brown and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle bacon breadcrumb mixture evenly over mac and cheese. Place under a preheated broiler for 3-4 minutes until topping is crisp and golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  8. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat or olive oil for extra flavor. Watch broiler carefully to avoid burning breadcrumbs. Pasta can be cooked ahead and tossed with oil to prevent sticking. Reheat gently with splash of milk to loosen sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, bacon breadcrumbs, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-breadcrumbs-for-the-perfect-comfort-meal/