Description
This Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe elevates a classic comfort food with the rich, smoky flavor of smoked gouda cheese. Creamy and cheesy with a hint of warming spices, it’s baked to perfection with a bubbly golden crust and optionally topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb short-cut pasta, elbow macaroni or shells
Cheese Sauce
- 16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) smoked gouda cheese, grated, divided
- 8 ounces extra sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
- 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
Topping (Optional)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside for later.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Generously salt the water, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux and Add Dairy: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk while continuously whisking. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to thicken.
- Season and Add Cheese: Stir in smoked paprika, ground white pepper, ground mustard, garlic powder, ground nutmeg, and salt to taste. Add half of the smoked gouda (8 ounces) and all the white cheddar cheese, whisking until cheeses are fully melted and incorporated. Remove from heat.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Assemble Dish: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 8 ounces of smoked gouda cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes to set. Garnish with crumbled bacon if desired, then serve warm. Enjoy your smoky and creamy mac and cheese!
Notes
- For best results, grate the cheese by hand rather than using pre-shredded cheese to ensure smoother melting.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt, as cheese varieties can vary in saltiness.
- The crumbled bacon topping is optional but adds a delightful crunchy, smoky contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for the creamiest texture; lower-fat substitutes will alter the consistency.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: smoked gouda mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, smoky cheese pasta, creamy mac and cheese
