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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese - featured image
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A rich and smoky mac and cheese featuring creamy smoked Gouda and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, perfect for comfort food lovers and picky eaters alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 tbsp (56 g) unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups (200 g) smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. Gradually pour in 3 cups (720 ml) warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to low. Add 2 cups (200 g) shredded smoked Gouda and 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and fold gently to coat. Let sit on very low heat for 2 minutes to marry flavors.
  6. In a small skillet, melt remaining 2 tbsp (28 g) butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until golden brown and toasty, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese mixture to a greased 8×8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly on top.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until topping is crispy and cheese sauce bubbles at edges.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to help cheese melt smoothly without clumping. Toast breadcrumbs in butter for a rich, crispy topping. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of milk. Freshly shred cheeses for best melt and texture. Baking gives a golden crust and melds flavors; stovetop only version is possible but lacks crispy topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked Gouda, creamy mac and cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, comfort food, easy dinner, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://lenatable.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-breadcrumbs-easy-and-delicious/