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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese - featured image
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A cozy and sophisticated twist on classic mac and cheese featuring smoky gouda and sharp cheddar in a silky, creamy sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons (55 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) smoked gouda cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted and bubbling, whisk in all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes without browning.
  3. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking to avoid lumps and cook until mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Stir in yellow mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Remove sauce from heat and gently fold in shredded smoked gouda and sharp cheddar cheese a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth. If sauce looks grainy, add a splash more milk and whisk.
  6. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently stir until all noodles are coated.
  7. Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese in a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Avoid overheating cheese sauce to prevent graininess. Shred your own cheese for best melting results. Slightly undercook pasta as it will cook more in the sauce. Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-comfort-food/