Get ready to transform your ordinary mac and cheese into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have your taste buds dancing with pure delight! This isn't just another pasta dish - this is a creamy, decadent journey of cheesy goodness infused with crispy bacon that elevates comfort food to a whole new level. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to the ultimate comfort meal, this Gouda Bacon Macaroni and Cheese recipe promises to be your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove bacon from pan and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a smooth roux. This helps prevent lumps in the cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and begins to simmer, about 3-4 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded gouda cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the cooked macaroni, stirring to ensure every pasta piece is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish if desired. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish.
- Optional: For a crispy top, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle additional bacon crumbles on top, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with remaining bacon crumbles if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded gouda for the smoothest, most luxurious cheese sauce. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Cook bacon until it's perfectly crisp to ensure maximum flavor and crunch. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Create a smooth roux by whisking flour and butter constantly and adding milk gradually to prevent lumps.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or even a combination of milk and heavy cream.
- Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese.
- If you want a golden, crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and become even more creamy.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 34g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
