Gouda Mac & Cheese with a Smoky Bacon Crunch

Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon Crumble

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Yields: 8 servings

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort with this decadent Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese, elevated with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon crumbles. This isn't your grandma's mac and cheese; it's a sophisticated twist on a classic, perfect for a cozy night in or a crowd-pleasing potluck. The smoky Gouda lends a depth of flavor that's both rich and satisfying, while the bacon adds a salty counterpoint that will leave you wanting more. Prepare for an explosion of textures and tastes – creamy, cheesy, smoky, and delightfully crunchy all in one bite!

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 salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, cook bacon until crispy. Crumble and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
7. Remove from heat and stir in smoked Gouda and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
9. Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs (if using) and crumbled bacon.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Tips and Tricks

• For extra crispy bacon, line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Don't overcook the macaroni, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
• If your cheese sauce is too thick, add a little more milk.
• Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, such as Gruyere or Fontina.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese hot, straight from the oven. A side salad with a light vinaigrette would cut through the richness of the cheese. For a truly decadent experience, pair it with a glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a rich Chardonnay.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 8 servings)

Calories: Approximately 450

This is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Keywords:

Mac and Cheese, Smoked Gouda, Bacon, Comfort Food, Cheesy, Pasta, Baked, American Cuisine

Hashtags:

#macandcheese #comfortfood #smokedgouda #bacon #cheeselover

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