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Smoked Gouda Bacon Mac and Cheese with Crispy Topping

smoked gouda bacon mac and cheese - featured image
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This smoked gouda bacon mac and cheese features creamy, smoky cheese sauce, crispy bacon in every bite, and a golden, buttery panko topping. It’s the ultimate comfort food for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 2 tablespoons for topping
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (divided: 1/4 cup for sauce, 1/4 cup for topping)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt and black pepper to taste (about 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, place chopped bacon in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crispy (about 8 minutes). Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat if desired.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  6. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in smoked gouda, sharp cheddar, and 1/4 cup parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. In a large bowl or the pasta pot, combine cooked pasta, most of the bacon (reserve some for topping), and cheese sauce. Mix until noodles are coated. Add a splash more milk if sauce is too thick.
  8. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved bacon.
  9. In a small bowl, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in panko breadcrumbs and remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Toss to coat, then spread evenly over mac and cheese.
  10. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. For extra crunch, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  11. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and undercook the pasta slightly before baking. To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and increase smoked paprika. Let the dish rest before serving for the creamiest texture. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk to keep them creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: smoked gouda mac and cheese, bacon mac and cheese, crispy topping, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, gouda recipes, family dinner, potluck, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/smoked-gouda-bacon-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-topping-easy-comfort-food/