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Creamy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crunchy Topping

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This creamy smoked gouda mac and cheese features a velvety, smoky cheese sauce and a golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. It’s pure comfort food, perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni (about 4 cups dry)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups smoked gouda, shredded
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until just shy of al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until pale and sandy.
  4. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Cook until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Gradually whisk in smoked gouda and cheddar until smooth and melted. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
  7. Fold drained pasta into cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer cheesy pasta to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  9. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, parsley, and smoked paprika. Toss until coated.
  10. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over pasta.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until topping is golden and sauce is bubbling. For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  12. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, grate cheese by hand to avoid grainy sauce. Don’t overcook pasta before baking. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible. Add roasted veggies or caramelized onions for extra flavor. Assemble ahead and add topping just before baking for freshest crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, smoked gouda, comfort food, creamy, baked pasta, crunchy topping, family dinner, potluck, easy recipe

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/creamy-smoked-gouda-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crunchy-topping/