Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
Are you a mac and cheese lover? Then you will love this Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese. A twist to the classic favorite, that will leave your family or guests wanting more. Creamy macaroni with smoked gouda cheese and bacon. Macaroni and Cheese never tasted so good. Perfect for any occasion, any day of the week!
No other food makes my husband and kids happier than a big dish of this creamy mac and cheese at dinner time. Honestly, they are happy with any mac and cheese, but smoked gouda mac and cheese is their favorite. If you have never had smoked gouda cheese, you are in for a treat. It makes a deliciously creamy cheese sauce with a beautiful note of smokiness that is only enhanced with the addition of bacon in this recipe.
Homemade mac and cheese is really easy to make, with just a few staple ingredients, and comes together in under an hour. Making it a great, comforting side dish to make any night of the week. Even on the busiest nights. This mac and cheese recipe is made on your stove top, no baking required. I love making mac and cheese along with this Buttermilk Chicken Tenders recipe and this Collard Greens recipe. A true Southern combination.
If you are not sure about the amount of smokiness in the gouda, use plain gouda cheese for this recipe. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of cheddar cheese and smoked gouda.
Ingredients Needed
- Bacon - Aim for a nice thick smokey bacon.
- Pasta - Elbow for traditional mac and cheese. Other pastas can be used like, penne, spirals or even mini farfalle.
- Gouda - Block cheese works best. Grab a good quality smoked gouda for the best flavor.
- Butter - unsalted or salted
- All-purpose flour
- Nutmeg - Great for adding flavor to the sauce.
- Ground Mustard - (optional) This along with the nutmeg are great for amping up the flavor in this mac and cheese dish.
- Salt
- Pepper
How to Make Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to make the roux. Allow to cook for 1 minute.
3. Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the milk, whisking continuously to prevent clumping. Then add in all of the milk and continue whisking until the milk thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Whisk in the nutmeg, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Then whisk in the shredded cheese. Whisking continuously until the cheese has been fully incorporated. Remove from the heat.
5. Stir in the cooked pasta and half of the chopped bacon. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Enjoy!
Tips for Making Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- For a creamier sauce mix in 1/4 - 1/2 of milk or heavy cream. Adjust the seasonings if needed.
- If you want a thicker sauce add in more shredded cheese or top the finished mac and cheese with more shredded cheese.
- If you want more flavor, you can try mixing in sliced or diced chilies like jalapeños or even stirring in your favor hot sauce. Fresh herbs and breadcrumbs can be added to the top. If using breadcrumbs spray lightly with oil and place in the oven for a few minutes to toast the breadcrumbs.
What to serve with Mac and Cheese
Rich, creamy and boldly flavored. This Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese recipe is irresistibly good! Easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
- 2 Slices thick cut bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 6 oz elbow pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup smoked gouda (freshly shredded)
- 2 cup milk
- 1 Pinch nutmeg
- 1 Pinch ground mustard
- 1/2 Teaspoon salt
- To Taste black pepper
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat melt the butter, then whisk in the flour to make the roux. Allow to cook for 1 minute. Stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Slowly whisk in 1/4 of the milk, whisking continuously to prevent clumping. Then add in all of the milk and continue whisking until the milk thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Whisk in the nutmeg, ground mustard, salt and pepper. Then whisk in the shredded cheese. Whisking continuously until the cheese has been fully incorporated. Remove from the heat. Adjust seasonings now, if needed.
Stir in the cooked pasta and half of the chopped bacon. Sprinkle the remaining bacon on top. Enjoy!
Thank you for stopping by!