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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon

creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese - featured image
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A cozy and satisfying comfort food featuring a velvety smoked gouda cheese sauce combined with crispy bacon and elbow macaroni, baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, room temperature
  • 8 oz smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 6 slices crispy bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, bake 6 slices of thick-cut bacon on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until crispy. Transfer to paper towels to drain, then crumble once cooled.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbling but not browned.
  4. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Gradually add shredded smoked gouda and sharp white cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth.
  6. Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  7. If using, toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated.
  8. Pour mac and cheese into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish. Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the top, followed by the breadcrumb mixture if using.
  9. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. If sauce is too thick, whisk in a splash of milk. Tent breadcrumbs with foil if browning too quickly. Bacon can be crisped in a skillet if oven space is limited. Let mac and cheese rest after baking for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, crispy bacon, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese

Find it online: https://islatable.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-perfect-for-comfort-food-fans/