Description
Smoked Gouda and Bacon Mac and Cheese is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines the rich flavors of smoked Gouda cheese and crispy bacon with classic macaroni.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter in the bacon grease over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Remove the skillet from heat and add the smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Try substituting the smoked Gouda with pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg