Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Comfort Food, Baked, Creamy, Cheese Sauce
Dive into a world of pure comfort with this irresistible Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese, elevated with a crispy bacon crumble. This isn't your average mac and cheese; it's a symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness, smoky bacon, and a hint of tangy Dijon mustard. Each bite is a comforting hug, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing party dish.
A Creamy Dream: The Perfect Cheese Sauce
The heart of this recipe lies in its unbelievably creamy cheese sauce. We start with a classic roux, building a smooth base that will perfectly coat every strand of pasta. The star of the show, of course, is the smoked Gouda, contributing a rich, nutty depth that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. A touch of cheddar adds a sharpness that balances the smokiness beautifully. Imagine the velvety texture, the rich aroma… pure bliss!
The Crispy Crunch: Bacon Crumble Magic
But the story doesn’t end there! The crispy bacon crumble adds a textural counterpoint to the creamy mac and cheese, providing a delightful salty crunch with each bite. The smokiness of the bacon perfectly complements the smoked Gouda, creating a harmonious flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect finishing touch, transforming a classic into something truly exceptional.
Recipe: Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble
Yields:
6-8 servings
Prep time:
15 minutes
Cook time:
35 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While macaroni is cooking, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce has thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Pour macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Optional: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Sprinkle bacon crumbles over the top before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the cheeses.
- Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce.
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a healthier twist.
- Use different types of bacon for varying flavor profiles (e.g., applewood smoked bacon).
- Substitute other cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina for a unique flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese hot, straight from the oven. It's a perfect comfort food on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
Hashtags: #macandcheese #smokedgouda #comfortfood #bacon #bakedmacandcheese #cheeselover #homecooking #comfortfoodrecipes
Labels: Recipes from the Americas, American Comfort Food, Baked Dishes, Cheese Dishes, Pasta Dishes