Description
This flavor-loaded Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and bold. You’ll love this reader-favorite mac and cheese that’s the perfect side dish for any occasion! Psst, the crumbled bacon topping takes it to a whole ‘notha level!
Ingredients
- 1 lb short-cut pasta, elbow macaroni or shells
- 16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) smoked gouda cheese- grated by hand, divided
- 8-ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated by hand
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground white pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled- for topping/garnish– optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch (or similarly large) baking dish with nonstick spray and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Then generously salt the water and cook your pasta according to package directions, al dente, and then set the pasta aside.
- In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until all the flour disappears. Then slowly add the heavy cream and milk with one hand while stirring with the other hand. Let the mixture come up to a slight boil.
- Once achieved, stir in the spices: smoked paprika, white pepper, mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, and salt- to taste. Then stir in 8 ounces of smoked gouda cheese and white cheddar cheese. Whisk until all cheese has melted through and turn off the heat.
- Next, add the cooked and drained pasta into the cheese mixture and stir well until fully incorporated, ensuring the pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Transfer the mac and cheese into the prepared baking dish, and top with remaining 8 ounces of smoked gouda cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F or until the mac and cheese is golden and bubbly throughout.
- Allow the dish to cool for 15 minutes and serve warm. Garnish the mac and cheese with crumbled bacon, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please read blog post in its entirety for more tips + tricks.