Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary mac and cheese into an extraordinary flavor explosion! This Smoked Gouda Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon isn't just another comfort food recipe—it's a gourmet experience that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Imagine creamy, rich cheese sauce infused with smoky gouda, perfectly crispy bacon bits, and a golden, bubbly top that promises pure indulgence. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to the ultimate comfort meal, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded smoked gouda cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 4 slices of bacon (chopped), 2 cups of shredded smoked gouda cheese, 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook until the bacon is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
- In the same skillet with the bacon fat, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded smoked gouda cheese, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni and crispy bacon to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine everything evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- If desired, you can sprinkle extra smoked gouda cheese or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious smoked gouda macaroni and cheese with bacon!
Tips
- Choose high-quality smoked gouda for the most intense flavor profile
- Cook bacon until crispy to add a delightful crunch and smoky taste
- Whisk continuously when making the roux to prevent lumps in your sauce
- Use room temperature milk and cream for smoother sauce integration
- Don't overcook the pasta—aim for al dente to prevent mushy texture
- For extra richness, you can add a splash of white wine to the cheese sauce
- If you want a crispier top, broil the mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes at the end
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set
- Experiment with additional mix-ins like caramelized onions or roasted garlic
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 90mg
