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Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese

Creamy, smoky mac and cheese ready in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk warm
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 cup shredded smoked gouda
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan
Topping (Optional)
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Saucepan
  • Baking dish
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente, then drain.
  2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes.
  3. Gradually add warm milk while whisking. Stir until sauce thickens.
  4. Add Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in smoked gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted.
  6. Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until coated.
  7. Optional: Preheat oven to 375°F. Transfer mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with panko mixed with melted butter, bake 10–12 minutes, garnish with parsley.
  8. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra smokiness, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked cheddar instead of gouda.