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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Bacon Crumble

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A rich and comforting mac and cheese featuring silky smoked gouda cheese sauce topped with crispy bacon crumble, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded or cubed
  • 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt to taste (start with 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (start with 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, place 6 slices of thick-cut bacon in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy—about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted and bubbly, whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour. Keep whisking for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste until smooth and golden.
  4. Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer; sauce will thicken in about 4–5 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 8 ounces smoked gouda and 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese. Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until cheese melts and sauce is silky smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce and gently fold until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. For stovetop serving, sprinkle crumbled bacon on top and serve immediately. For baked finish, transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, sprinkle bacon and 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan over the top, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Use room temperature dairy to avoid lumps. Add cheese off heat or on very low to prevent grainy sauce. Cook bacon slowly over medium heat for perfect crispness. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. Vegetarian option: omit bacon and add toasted breadcrumbs or nuts.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-bacon-crumble-easy-and-perfect/